Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing my pelvic pain?
Tight muscles, connective tissue restrictions, neural inflammation and myofascial trigger points can cause pelvic pain and dysfunction.
Why does my bladder (ovaries, prostate, uterus, etc) hurt if the problem is a dysfunctional pelvic floor?
The pelvic floor muscles support the pelvic viscera that refer pain to these structures when dysfunctional. Connective tissue restrictions and myofascial trigger points in the abdomen, buttocks and lower extremities will also refer pain to the bladder.
Is this ever going to go away and am I going to get better?
Yes. With appropriate physical therapy and medical interventions even chronic pelvic pain can resolve.
How long is it going to take me to get better?
Each patient is different and the prognosis varies based on the duration and severity of their symptoms. In our experience, treatment typically lasts at least 6 months. Symptoms gradually decrease in severity and frequency throughout the course of treatment.
Can I still have children?
Yes
Am I the only one that has this?
A Harvard study published in 2002 shows that 15% of the population has some sort of pelvic pain or dysfunction. Another recent study shows 3.9% of the population has chronic pelvic pain, which is comparable to the 4.1% of the population suffering from chronic low back pain.
Why don't all bike riders get pudendal neuralgia?
Most bike riders with pudendal neuralgia have concurrent contributing factors resulting in pelvic pain.
What do I have pain before (during, after) intercourse?
Pelvic floor muscles, skin, and nerves become sensitive when dysfunctional and can result in pain during arousal, during intercourse, or post-coital.
Why do Kegel exercises make my pain worse?
Kegel exercises result in shortening the pelvic floor. When the muscles are too tight or have trigger points, tightening them further with kegel exercises will cause increased pain and can irritate the pudendal nerve.
Why can't I tolerate wearing underwear or tighter clothing?
Connective tissue restrictions result in compromised local circulation which in turn causes tissue hypersensitivity. Therefore, tighter clothing or underwear irritates the skin.
Why do I have excessive vaginal discharge/poor lubrication during arousal and excessive sweating?
Many patients with pelvic pain have active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). The presence of active MTrPs in the pelvic floor can affect the autonomic nervous system. Disturbances of autonomic functions caused by MTrPs include abnormal sweating, persistant lacrimation and lubrication, persistant coryza, excessive salivation, and pilomotor activities.
Why do I experience post-ejaculatory pain?
An orgasm is a rapid muscle contraction. The pelvic floor muscles in patients with pelvic pain are often unable to relax after repetitive contractions (orgasm). This results in increased pelvic pain.
Why do I have difficulty sleeping?
Research has shown that pain can disturb sleep. In turn, sleep disturbance will result in increased pain sensitivity the next day. Sleeping positions can compress or shorten muscles with MTrPs which can increase pain and decrease sleep. Your physical therapist will recommend appropriate sleeping positions to minimize your pain.
Why do I have difficulty and/or pain with a bowel movement?
Straining during a bowel movement can result in excessive tension on pelvic nerves and muscles which can cause pain. MTrPs in the pelvic floor and the anal sphincter may inhibit the muscle relaxation required for a normal bowel movement. Furthermore, short, tight muscles can become painful when compressed by stool.
Why can't I empty my bladder fully?
When the pelvic floor muscles are unable to relax sufficiently the bladder is not able to empty fully.