This page gives you information about pain and other problems connected with some of the organs in your very low abdomen, or pelvis / pelvic girdle.
People with interstitial cystitis are more likely to have:
- Stress and anxiety
- Depression
- Central Sensitisation
- Hyper-mobility
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus or SLE)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Increased likelihood of allergies
- Endometriosis
- Vulvodynia / genital pain
- Fibromyalgia
Is this your story?
Pain and problems to do with the pelvic area can be difficult to diagnose and treat. It is common to see both men and women who have suffered for years with symptoms and have had a number of different diagnoses from various consultants leading to lots of treatment and little success.
It is important to have the correct tests done, and for certain problems to be identified and treated using mainstream medical approaches where appropriate. But if those avenues have been exhausted, or if an integrated approach is preferred, then your next step is to see the New Medicine Group CP/CPPS special expert team, Pelvic People. We will assess you and tell you if referral to appropriate consultants and testing is needed.
“Pain perceived within the pelvis may arise from a range of different mechanisms, many of which remain poorly understood. Some conditions have become ‘well-defined’ over the years and it is very important that these are identified and treated by an evidence-based approach”
Introduction to chronic urogenital pain syndromes, Guidelines on Chronic Pelvic Pain (2009)
Your problem might be CP/CPPS if you have been told you have:
- Bladder / urinary pain or problems (including Interstitial Cystitis)
- Pain in the pelvis for men or women
- Genital pain (vagina, vulva, clitoris, penis, testicles)
- Pain or problems related to sex, ejaculation/orgasm, menstruation or urination
- Gynecological related pain (including endometriosis and fibroids)
- Chronic lower digestion related pain (including IBS)
- Problems related to the pelvis / pelvic floor and pregnancy
- Pain in the rectum, inner thigh, perineum, testicles
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
