Pelvic Pain Awareness Month: Advocating for a Hidden Condition

Written by Abigail Hyson, Sponsorship Coordinator, FemHealth Insights

Pelvic pain is a complex and often debilitating condition that affects 4-16% of women and 2-16% of men worldwide. It encompasses a variety of symptoms and underlying causes, ranging from gynecological issues like endometriosis and interstitial cystitis to musculoskeletal problems and gastrointestinal disorders. Despite its prevalence, pelvic pain remains poorly understood and frequently underdiagnosed, leading to prolonged suffering and a significant impact on the quality of life for those affected. 

Prolonged chronic pelvic pain is often associated with other comorbidities such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), mental health disorders, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Not only does chronic pelvic pain impact the body, but it also has a large financial burden for the patient (especially if it goes undiagnosed for a long period). A 2021 review calculated the annual direct cost per woman with chronic pelvic pain to be between $16,970 to $20,898. For men with chronic pelvic pain, their calculated annual direct costs were $6,534 per person. These figures included healthcare, prescription, and indirect costs (lost wages and reduced productivity). And the most costly pelvic pain disease? Endometriosis by far; with per-patient calculations of about $16,573 per year.

May has been designated as Pelvic Pain Awareness Month to shed light on this often invisible condition. The goal is to increase public awareness, enhance medical understanding, and advocate for better treatment options. Through various events and campaigns, this month seeks to bring together patients, healthcare providers, and advocates to foster a more informed and compassionate approach to managing pelvic pain.

This year’s Pelvic Pain Awareness Month featured several notable events and campaigns aimed at education, support, and advocacy, such as:

1. Debunking Myths and Exploring Research on Pelvic Pain: 

This webinar, hosted by JUNOFEM, took place on May 15, 2024, and was led by Professor Melanie Morin (a renowned expert in pelvic pain). The webinar focused on debunking common myths about pelvic pain and exploring the latest research. Participants gained valuable insights into pelvic floor dysfunction and the latest tools used for evaluation and treatment. For more information, you can visit the event here. 

2. Buderim Walk for Endo: 

This event, organized by Magnolia Health and held on May 19, 2024, in Buderim Village Park, raised funds and awareness for endometriosis and other pelvic pain conditions. The 5km walk was followed by live music and family-friendly activities. It provided a community space for discussing pelvic pain and supporting those affected. Details about the event can be found here.

3. Pelvic Pain and Mental Health Symposium: 

On May 3, 2024, Peli Health hosted an online symposium addressing the intersection of pelvic pain and mental health. This event featured experts in both fields, offering insights into how chronic pelvic pain can affect mental health and vice versa. The symposium emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to managing pelvic pain. More details are available on the Peli Health website here.

4. International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) Webinar Series: 

Throughout May 2024, the IUGA organized a series of webinars focusing on various aspects of pelvic pain, including treatment options and new research findings. These sessions were led by leading experts in urogynecology and provided an international perspective on managing pelvic pain. You can learn more about these events on the IUGA website here.

5. Pelvic Power Hour: Pain Perspectives: 

This online event, part of a series by Peli Health, took place on May 1, 2024. It explored the mind-body connection in pelvic health and featured Kelsey Bates, a psychotherapist specializing in women’s cognitive-behavioral therapy. The session highlighted the psychological aspects of managing chronic pelvic pain and offered practical strategies for improving mental well-being. For more information, visit the Peli Health website here. 

These events collectively aimed to enhance understanding, provide support, and foster community among pelvic pain patients. Additionally, the International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS) facilitates meetings and has resources all year long. Alongside information and awareness initiatives, innovation in FemTech is making significant strides in addressing pelvic pain. Here are the top 10 FemTech companies leading the way:

1. Sword Health - Platform to predict, prevent, and treat pain. Sword Health’s solutions combine AI and clinical expertise to deliver pain-fighting care without opioids or unnecessary surgeries.

2. Elvie - Known for its smart pelvic floor trainer, Elvie is enhancing women's health by providing tools to strengthen pelvic muscles, thereby reducing pain and improving overall pelvic health.

3. Hello Gina - The first self-powered digital therapy program for overcoming pain & anxiety surrounding vaginal penetration.

4. Lasa Health - Uses AI and machine learning to screen patients for the potential causes of chronic pelvic pain.

5. Daye - Created a period pain clinic that provides direct access to vetted pain specialists who can recommend and prescribe a range of pharmaceutical and holistic solutions to pelvic pain. They also created a CBD tampon to help with pain during the menstrual cycle.

6. Axena Health - A women-led company dedicated to improving the lives of women with pelvic floor disorders by harnessing the power of digital technology. Their system helps women train and strengthen their pelvic floor muscles—at home, in just five minutes a day.

7. Gynesonics - Gynesonics specializes in minimally invasive solutions for uterine fibroids, a common cause of pelvic pain. Their Sonata System offers a non-surgical alternative to traditional treatments.

8. Femasys - Femasys develops medical devices focused on women's reproductive health, including non-surgical options for conditions causing pelvic pain, such as abnormal uterine bleeding.

9. Origin - A pelvic floor therapy company that helps treat issues related to pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, and more.

10. Hera Biotech - The developer behind the world’s first non-surgical test for definitive diagnosis and staging of endometriosis.

Pelvic Pain Awareness Month and the advancements in the FemTech space are complementary forces driving positive change for those affected by pelvic pain. Awareness initiatives help destigmatize the condition and encourage individuals to seek help. At the same time, FemTech innovations provide new diagnostic and treatment options that can significantly improve patient outcomes while decreasing the time to diagnosis. Together, these efforts can contribute to a future where pelvic pain is better understood, more effectively managed, and less of a burden on those who suffer from it. As awareness grows and technology advances, the hope is that fewer individuals will have to endure the prolonged suffering associated with pelvic pain, leading to a better quality of life for millions around the world.

In conclusion, Pelvic Pain Awareness Month is a vital platform for education, support, and advocacy. By bringing this invisible condition into the spotlight, we can work towards a future where those suffering from pelvic pain receive timely, effective care and the compassion they deserve.

About the Author:

Abigail Hyson is a writer, advocate, and Women’s Health enthusiast. She has worked at multiple women’s health startups, helping one to a successful exit. With six years in the healthcare industry, she is also an experienced strategist, focusing mainly on patient & customer journey, retention, and creating a cohesive community voice. Her mission involves creating awareness around women’s health disparities to help close the health equity gap.