Musculoskeletal and Pelvic Floor Health in Female Chronic Overlapping Pelvic Pain Conditions

This study is examining the relationship between musculoskeletal problems (such as muscle tension and joint dysfunction in the pelvis, hips, and spine) and pelvic floor dysfunction in women with chronic overlapping pelvic pain conditions. These conditions — including interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, vulvodynia, pudendal neuralgia, fibromyalgia, and pelvic floor muscle pain — frequently occur together, yet are often treated in isolation by different specialists. This research aims to better characterize the full physical picture of these overlapping pain syndromes. To participate, you must be female, between 21 and 80 years old, have had symptoms of chronic pelvic pain for more than 6 months as defined by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, have at least two of the seven specified overlapping conditions, and report an average pain score of at least 3 out of 10. You cannot participate if you have a current or past pelvic cancer, an active pelvic infection, are pregnant or recently gave birth (within 6 months), or have had abdominal or pelvic surgery within the past 3 years. Participants will undergo specialized physical assessments of the pelvic floor and musculoskeletal system. This research is important because chronic pelvic pain is highly prevalent and frequently misunderstood or inadequately treated — identifying common musculoskeletal patterns could open up new, more effective rehabilitative treatment pathways.