E20. Recommendations for Multidisciplinary Treatment of Persistent Pelvic Pain

In this episode of Talking O&G: a RANZCOG Podcast, host Dr Heather Waterfall speaks with Dr Marilla Druitt about multidisciplinary management and treatment options for persistent pelvic pain. Pelvic pain affects one in five women in Australia and up to one in four women in Aotearoa New Zealand at some point in their life. Contributors are broad, and may include conditions such endometriosis or adenomyosis, antenatal or postpartum pain, or irritable bowel syndrome. Dr Waterfall and Dr Druitt address a range of treatment and prevention approaches, including hormonal treatment, physiotherapy, pain psychology, nutrition, and more. They highlight the biopsychosocial components of pelvic pain and its comorbidities and recommend a holistic approach to care. They also emphasise the importance of focusing on prevention, to reduce the potential development of severe pain. This episode was recorded in February 2026. Please refer to the PBS website for up-to-date information on medication availability and subsidies. 🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode: • Australian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis: https://tinyurl.com/yt539e2c • Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia: Stretches, Strategies and Acupressure Guides: https://tinyurl.com/5h77ksbd • Queensland Government Flowchart: Acute presentation of persistent pelvic pain: https://tinyurl.com/4fddkr5m 📌 RANZCOG members can submit CPD at: https://shorturl.at/iq733 💬 If you found this episode valuable, please rate, review, subscribe, and share it with your colleagues. RANZCOG acknowledges the need for more inclusive terminology for gender diversity. In this podcast we aim to use inclusive language, and any use of the term “women” should be interpreted to include all people requiring gynaecological and obstetric care. The views expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the official position of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).