Why can't a single cause be found?

Chronic pelvic pain is often multifactorial, with several systems contributing. That's why a broad assessment, rather than a single test, is usually needed.

Could my pain be endometriosis?

Endometriosis is one important cause of chronic pelvic pain. A specialist can assess this alongside other possibilities.

Chronic Pelvic Pain: Causes & Review

Name: Chronic Pelvic Pain: Causes & Review | Gynaec.com.au
Creator: Dr Priya Sivadas
Published: 2026-07-01

Chronic pelvic pain: causes and assessment

Chronic pelvic pain is pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis lasting for several months. It's common and often has more than one contributing factor.

This page explains the possibilities and why a broad assessment matters.

Key points

Chronic pelvic pain is pain lasting several months.
It often has more than one contributing cause.
Causes can involve gynaecological, bladder, bowel and muscular factors.
A thorough assessment helps guide a plan.

Last reviewed 1 July 2026

Possible contributing causes

Chronic pelvic pain is often multifactorial, several things may contribute at once.

Endometriosis or adenomyosis
Bladder-related causes
Bowel-related causes
Musculoskeletal and pelvic floor factors
Nerve-related factors

Diagnosis: what to expect

A specialist takes a detailed history, examines you, and may arrange imaging such as ultrasound. Because the causes can overlap, assessment may involve looking at more than one system.

When to see a specialist

If you have pelvic pain lasting several months, or pain that's affecting your life, a specialist can assess the contributing factors and help build a plan.