06 Sep Understanding Pelvic Pain: Don’t Suffer in Silence

Pelvic pain is a common but often overlooked issue that affects many women.

During Women’s Health Week, led by the non-profit organization Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, we want to shed light on this topic to empower women with knowledge about the “Pain Drain” caused by pelvic pain.

Recent findings from the 2023 National Women’s Health Survey conducted in Australia revealed that nearly half of women aged 18 and older (47%) have experienced pelvic pain in the last five years. This statistic is quite significant, and it’s crucial for women to understand that they are not alone in dealing with this challenge.

Dr. Sarah White, CEO of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, emphasizes that pelvic pain can severely disrupt daily life. Many women have had to miss work, skip study sessions, or forgo exercise due to this discomfort. The impact of pelvic pain is not to be underestimated.

“We want to encourage women to seek help and support. If you’ve experienced pelvic pain, it’s essential to discuss it with your healthcare provider. Don’t hesitate to make that appointment with your GP. You deserve to live a full, healthy, and happy life.”

Kirsty Baker, a 25-year-old woman who has been diagnosed with endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome, shares her personal journey with pelvic pain. She had to adapt her career as a hospital nurse by starting her own business for more flexibility, as debilitating pain often forced her to call in sick. Kirsty’s story is a testament to the resilience of women dealing with pelvic pain.

Ms Baker also expressed her disappointment at the prevalence of these conditions and the delayed diagnoses many women face.

“I look forward to hopefully one day having normal conversations about this with women and being able to speak about it openly and share our stories together.” she said.

Dr. Pav Nanayakkara, a specialist in gynecology and advanced laparoscopic surgery, underscores the importance of normalizing conversations around pelvic pain. It’s not just about discussing the conditions themselves; it’s about creating an environment where women feel comfortable seeking help and talking openly about their experiences.

“Despite the alarming results from the study that one in two women are going through this, it’s not surprising to me. I think it’s really unfortunate that there are so many people that are suffering in silence when there are many treatment options and ways that we could investigate the pain further.”

The research highlights the urgent need to address pelvic pain and provide better support and treatment options for affected women. Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week continues to serve as a platform for discussing crucial women’s health issues and encouraging women to seek the care they need.

If you’re a woman who has experienced pelvic pain, know that you’re not alone, and help is available. Use this Women’s Health Week to start a conversation with your healthcare provider and join the movement to break the silence surrounding pelvic pain.

For more information on Women’s Health Week  please visit the website of Women’s Health Week

Women’s Health Week is an annual event led by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health; a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the knowledge of women’s health throughout the various stages of life. The week-long event is designed to raise awareness of important women’s health topics, encourage health checks, and provide educational resources for women across Australia. Women’s Health Week aims to empower women to take control of their health and well-being through informed choices and active participation in their healthcare journey.