Persistent pelvic pain affects around 15–25% of Australian women and people assigned female at birth. Yet despite being common, it has long been misunderstood and under-treated.
At Kardinia Health’s Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic, we understand that persistent pelvic pain is complex and often requires more than just a single solution. Our clinic supports individuals experiencing pain in the pelvic region (below the belly button and between the hips) lasting for more than six months.
Understanding Pelvic Pain and Its Impact
While conditions like endometriosis are commonly associated with chronic pelvic pain, they are often just one part of a broader picture. Not everyone with pelvic pain has endometriosis, and not all people with endometriosis experience chronic symptoms.
Pelvic pain can arise from multiple sources, including:
- Pelvic organ pain (e.g. painful periods, bladder issues, bowel discomfort)
- Musculoskeletal tension (such as tight pelvic floor muscles or spasms)
- Sensitised nerve pathways (which may lead to widespread pain, fatigue, or sleep disturbances)
- Chronic inflammation and its flow-on effects
The impact can go far beyond the physical. Chronic pelvic pain can affect emotional well-being, relationships, study, work, and quality of life. That’s why our Pelvic Pain Clinic takes a holistic, compassionate approach to care.
A Holistic Approach to Pelvic Pain for Women’s Health
Our Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic in Geelong uses a multidisciplinary, biopsychosocial model, considering the physical, psychological, and social contributors to each person’s pain. Patients may be supported by a combination of the following providers:
General Practitioner (GP)
Your Geelong Doctor plays a key role in diagnosis, medication management, sexual and reproductive health, and referrals to specialists and allied health providers. They can also create care plans for subsidised services.
Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Geelong
These physiotherapists assess and treat the pelvic floor muscles, bladder and bowel function, and related muscle groups like the hips and abdominals. They’re skilled in addressing common related issues such as sexual dysfunction, urgency, and pain with movement.
Pain Educator
Pain educators help you understand how pain works in the body and provide strategies to manage it. They work with you to develop a pain flare plan, explore treatment options, and set achievable goals.
Dietitian
Our dietitians offer personalised nutritional advice that supports overall health and symptom management, particularly in cases where gut health, inflammation, or fatigue may be contributing factors.
Psychologist
Psychological support is a vital component of pain care. Our psychologists help patients understand how stress and emotional factors can influence pain, and use evidence-based therapies to improve coping, resilience, and overall mental health.
Other supportive care options may include referrals to sexologists, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners (including acupuncture), or tertiary-level care providers.
Accessing the Pelvic Pain Clinic at Kardinia Health
The Kardinia Health Pelvic Pain Clinic in Belmont, Geelong, is available to any girl, woman, or person assigned female at birth who has been experiencing persistent pelvic pain for more than six months. You do not need a formal diagnosis of endometriosis to access the service.
No referral is required; you can self-refer by completing a short online questionnaire. Our team will then be in contact to guide you through the next steps in your care.
Ready to Seek Support?
If you’ve been living with persistent pelvic pain, you don’t have to do it alone. Our compassionate, multidisciplinary team at Geelong Women’s Health, Pelvic Pain Clinic, support you with expert care tailored to your needs.
Visit our Pelvic Pain Clinic website for more information or contact the clinic directly on (03) 5202 9333.
To self-refer, please fill out this form, and our team will contact you within 2-3 days to book your first appointment.
