When pain in the pelvis affects daily life
Many young people experience pelvic pain at some point — a dull ache, cramps, or a sharp twinge that stops them mid-sport or keeps them awake at night. Most of the time, it’s short-lived and related to normal body changes. But sometimes, the pain lasts longer, feels more intense, or starts to affect school, sport, and social life.
As parents, this can be worrying. We’re told “period pain is normal” or that “it will pass,” but deep down you know when something doesn’t seem right. The truth is: ongoing pelvic pain is common — and treatable. With the right support, most young people can get back to living, learning, and doing what they love.
Understanding common causes of pelvic pain
For girls, the most common reason for pelvic pain is related to periods, especially in the first few years after they start. This is called dysmenorrhoea, and it’s usually caused by natural hormonal changes that make the muscles of the uterus contract.
Some young people also experience:
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Ovulatory pain, a short-lived ache mid-cycle
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Pain linked to infection or inflammation, such as urinary or pelvic infections
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Endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows elsewhere and causes inflammation and pain
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Muscle or posture-related pain, often linked to sport, growth, or stress
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Functional pelvic pain, when pain continues even after tests are normal — often because the nerves in the pelvis remain sensitive
If you’ve noticed your child missing school, avoiding physical activity, or seeming anxious around their period or movement, it might be time to check in with a clinician who understands adolescent pelvic pain.
When to think about endometriosis?
Endometriosis can start early — even in the early teen years — though it’s often mistaken for “just bad period pain.” You might notice your child using hot water bottles regularly, taking frequent pain medication, or staying home from school every month. If pain gets worse over time or isn’t responding to simple measures, it’s worth discussing the possibility of endometriosis with a healthcare provider.
Modern treatment focuses on early symptom management, often using hormonal therapy and supportive care. Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) is reserved for selected cases when diagnosis is uncertain or symptoms don’t improve. Early recognition is key — it can reduce distress, protect fertility, and help young people regain control over their lives.
How clinicians assess pelvic pain
Assessment usually starts with a thorough conversation. The team might ask about the timing of pain, its pattern, how it affects school and play, and what helps or makes it worse. Sometimes, that’s all that’s needed to guide care.
A physical examination or simple investigations (like ultrasound or urine tests) may be used if there are concerns. We also look for red flags that need prompt attention: sudden severe pain, fever, vomiting, unusual bleeding, or pain that wakes your child from sleep.
First steps that make a difference
Many young people feel much better with basic, consistent self-care and early management. Things that often help include:
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Heat over the abdomen or lower back
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Regular movement (gentle walks, stretching, yoga)
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Balanced routines — steady sleep, hydration, and meals
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Medication when needed, like anti-inflammatories or paracetamol, taken correctly
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Hormonal therapy, prescribed by a clinician, which can reduce heavy or painful periods
These approaches are safe and effective — and most importantly, they help your child feel they have some control over their pain.
Why a team approach works best
For pain that lingers or affects day-to-day life, the best outcomes come from multidisciplinary care — a team working together to look at the full picture.
At The Pain Collective, we often see how combining different perspectives makes all the difference:
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Pelvic-health physiotherapists help relax and strengthen pelvic muscles, and improve posture and movement.
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Occupational therapists provide age-appropriate education, support school participation, pacing, and teach self-regulation strategies.
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Psychologists work with children and families to manage stress, fear, and the emotional impact of pain.
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Medical specialists oversee care, rule out serious conditions, and guide hormonal or procedural treatments when needed.
When everyone is working together, children and families start to see progress — not just less pain, but more confidence, activity, and joy.
When procedures or surgery might be helpful
Procedures are rarely the first step, but sometimes they’re needed when pain is severe and hasn’t responded to other treatments.
For some girls with suspected endometriosis, a laparoscopy (key-hole surgery) can confirm the diagnosis and remove or treat the problem areas. For others, a period of targeted rehabilitation before surgery can improve recovery and outcomes.
For a small number of young people whose pain is very disabling and hasn’t settled with careful rehabilitation, there are targeted neuromodulation procedures that aim to calm over-sensitive nerves supplying the pelvis and lower tummy. Think of these as a focused “numb and reset” procedures to turn down the alarm in a particular region. In experienced hands they can give weeks to months of relief and — importantly — create a window where a child can engage more fully in therapy, return-to-school plans, and psychological work that support longer-term recovery.
The key is personalisation — choosing the least invasive, most effective plan based on the child’s unique situation.
Pelvic pain in boys — the conversation we don’t have often enough Although pelvic pain is usually discussed in the context of girls, boys can experience it too. It’s just that people rarely talk about it.
Boys might describe a dull ache in the lower tummy, groin, or testicles; pain when sitting or playing sport; or discomfort after cycling or prolonged posture. In many cases, this isn’t caused by injury or infection, but by muscle tension, nerve irritation, or heightened sensitivity in the pelvic area.
When this happens, the same principles apply:
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Rule out urgent or structural causes (like torsion, hernia, or infection).
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Support recovery with gentle movement, pelvic health physiotherapy, and education about how nerves can stay “on high alert” even after an initial irritation has passed.
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Address worry and avoidance — reassurance goes a long way.
We’ve seen many boys recover fully once the right explanation and care are in place. Just as with girls, early intervention and normalising the conversation make all the difference.
Helping your child live well during recovery
Healing from pelvic pain isn’t just about medication or rest. It’s about rebuilding trust in the body.
Practical things parents can do include:
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Keeping routines stable — meals, sleep, and gentle activity.
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Encouraging movement rather than avoiding it.
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Helping your child notice progress, not just pain levels.
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Working with the school to ensure flexibility without pressure.
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Focusing on strengths and things that bring joy — laughter, art, friends, sport (at their own pace).
Pain often improves fastest when life becomes fuller again.
When to seek more help
Reach out to a healthcare provider if your child’s pain:
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Has lasted more than a few months
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Is worsening, or spreading beyond the original area
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Affects sleep, mood, or school attendance
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Isn’t improving with basic measures
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Feels out of proportion to what you’d expect
Early support from a multidisciplinary team can shorten recovery time and reduce distress — both for the child and the family.
Final thoughts
Pelvic pain in young people — whether in girls or boys — is real, common, and treatable. It’s not “all in their head,” and it doesn’t mean something is seriously wrong. But it does mean the body and nervous system need some support to find balance again.
At The Pain Collective, we help children and families understand what’s happening, reduce fear, and rebuild confidence step by step. With the right information, care, and encouragement, most young people get back to doing what matters most: living fully.