What Does Pelvic Floor Pain Feel Like?
Common Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Pelvic floor pain is far more common than most people realize, yet many individuals struggle for years without understanding what’s causing their discomfort. Because the pelvic floor is deeply connected to the hips, core, back, and internal organs, pain can show up in many different ways and not just in the pelvis itself.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this pain coming from my pelvic floor?” this guide will help you recognize the most common sensations and symptoms associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.
What Is Pelvic Floor Pain?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the bottom of the pelvis that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. These muscles can become:
Too tight
Weak
Overactive
Uncoordinated
Injured after childbirth, surgery, or trauma
When the pelvic floor isn’t functioning properly, pain can develop in nearby areas and sometimes without obvious pelvic symptoms at all.
What Does Pelvic Floor Pain Feel Like?
Pelvic floor pain can feel different from person to person. Some of the most common descriptions include:
1. Deep Aching or Pressure
Many people describe a sensation similar to:
Sitting on a golf ball
Deep heaviness in the pelvic area
Pressure that increases after standing or at the end of the day
This is especially common with pelvic floor tightness or prolapse symptoms.
2. Sharp, Burning, or Shooting Pain
For some, pelvic pain feels:
Sharp or stabbing
Burning
Like electric or shooting sensations
This may indicate nerve irritation, muscle spasm, or increased pelvic floor tension.
3. Pain with Intercourse
Pain during or after sex is a common but rarely talked-about sign of pelvic floor dysfunction. Individuals may feel:
Burning at the entrance
Deep internal pain
Pressure or tearing sensations
Painful sex is not normal and can be treated with pelvic floor physical therapy.
4. Pain with Sitting for Long Periods
Tight pelvic floor muscles can make sitting uncomfortable, causing:
Buttock pain
Pain between the sit bones
Increased pressure the longer you sit
This may be mistaken for tailbone or low back issues.
5. Tailbone or Low Back Pain
Few people realize the pelvic floor attaches to the tailbone. When the pelvic floor is tight or strained, it can lead to:
Tailbone pain that worsens with sitting
Low back pain that doesn’t improve with stretching
Pain when rising from a chair
6. Hip or Groin Pain
Pelvic floor tension often mimics hip or groin problems. Pain may appear:
Deep in the front of the hip
Along the inner thigh
After exercise or long walking
If hip or groin pain hasn’t responded to traditional treatment, the pelvic floor may be involved.
7. Bladder or Bowel Discomfort
Pelvic floor dysfunction can also feel like:
Painful urination
Incomplete emptying
Abdominal cramping
Constipation or straining
These symptoms often overlap with pelvic muscle tightness or coordination issues.
Why Pelvic Floor Pain Happens
Pelvic floor pain may develop from:
Pregnancy and childbirth
Surgery
Chronic constipation
High-stress lifestyles
Hormonal changes
High-intensity athletics
Trauma or injury
Poor posture or breath mechanics
Sometimes, the pain is simply the result of muscles that are “on guard” and unable to relax.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you are experiencing:
Persistent pelvic, hip, groin, or tailbone pain
Pain with intercourse
Bladder or bowel difficulties
Pain that hasn’t responded to traditional treatment
A pelvic floor physical therapist can assess your muscles, movement patterns, breathing, and posture to identify the root cause.
Pelvic floor pain is treatable and relief is absolutely possible.
Pelvic floor pain doesn’t always feel like pelvic pain. It can disguise itself as low back discomfort, hip pain, groin strain, abdominal cramping, or pressure that is easy to brush off or misunderstand.
Understanding the sensations and getting the right diagnosis is the first step in feeling better.
If you’re ready to get answers and start healing, schedule a pelvic floor evaluation today.
