Persistent pelvic pain can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. It affects day-to-day functioning, movement, relationships, and mental health. What is less commonly acknowledged, however, is the connection between chronic pelvic pain and eating disorders.
What is pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain refers to pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic region. It can be cyclical (linked to the menstrual cycle) or persistent (chronic pelvic pain lasting more than six months). There are many potential causes of pelvic pain, including gastrointestinal, urological, musculoskeletal, and nerve-related issues. However, for women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB), pelvic pain is often associated with reproductive health conditions.
Common conditions associated with pelvic pain include:
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Interstitial cystitis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
These conditions can cause symptoms such as bloating, constipation or diarrhoea, painful periods, pain during intercourse, and urinary urgency — many of which can affect a person’s relationship with their body, with food, and with movement.
The overlap with eating disorders
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions which are influenced by a range of psychological, biological, and social factors. For people experiencing pelvic pain, there are several ways these issues can become entangled:
Over time, these patterns can contribute to the development or worsening of eating disorders—particularly when support is not available or symptoms are minimised by health professionals.
- Avoidance of food: People may begin to restrict their eating due to fears that food will worsen pain, bloating, or digestive discomfort
- Loss of body trust: When the body feels unpredictable or painful, it can become harder to feel connected to hunger and fullness cues
- Body image distress: Physical symptoms like bloating or swelling can contribute to shame, poor body image, or a desire to change one’s appearance
- Control as a coping strategy: Managing food or exercise may become a way to cope with the experience of living with chronic pain
A holistic approach to care
Living with both pelvic pain and an eating disorder can create a complex cycle that affects physical health, mental wellbeing, and everyday functioning. Addressing these concerns together — rather than in isolation — can support more sustainable outcomes.
Psychologists can help by supporting people to explore how pain impacts their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. This might include:
- Developing strategies for managing pain-related anxiety or distress
- Building tools for emotional regulation when pain or eating concerns feel overwhelming
- Reconnecting with body cues like hunger, fullness, and fatigue
- Exploring identity, self-worth, and body image, particularly when impacted by chronic health issues
Dietitians play an important role in addressing both the physical and psychological impacts of eating difficulties. This may involve:
- Supporting gentle reintroduction of foods that have been avoided due to pain or fear
- Exploring the impact of chronic pain on digestion and nutritional needs
- Offering guidance around nourishing the body without triggering increased discomfort
- Helping to reduce anxiety around eating through gradual, compassionate strategies
We can help
Along with Psychologists and Dietitians, it can also be helpful to involve other health professionals including physiotherapists, pelvic health specialists, and your GP. Coordinated care can reduce confusion and create a more supportive path to recovery.
Our team at Mind Body Well are here to support you. Reach out to learn more about how we can help.
