Pelvic pain in university students: cross-section study

Couto, Nicole dos Santos; Lima, Nalanda Cerqueira; Aguiar, Darcton Souza de

doi:10.63231/2595-0118.20250049-pt

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE • BrJP 8 • 2025 • https://doi.org/10.63231/2595-0118.20250049-en linkcopy

Pelvic pain in university students: cross-section study

Authorship SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP), especially when associated with other symptoms, may experience compromised quality of life and functionality. It is important to emphasize that this type of pain tends to persist and may intensify over time. Understanding CPP and its associated factors can assist in the development of early strategies aimed at minimizing this issue. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of pelvic pain among female students enrolled in health-related courses at a higher education institution in Salvador.

METHODS This observational, quantitative, cross-sectional study conducted with female students from the Nutrition and Physiotherapy programs at a private university in Salvador.

RESULTS A total of 40 students participated in the study - 24 from the Physiotherapy program and 16 from Nutrition. Most participants were between 20 and 29 years old and reported having to balance academic and work responsibilities. Pelvic pain was reported by 14 participants, although only 4 had received a medical diagnosis related to the condition. The majority rated their pain intensity as less than 5 on a 0 - 10 scale, suggesting it was not functionally limiting. The most frequently reported pain characteristic was a “stabbing” sensation. All participants indicated that their symptoms improved with rest, although pain could be triggered during specific activities.

CONCLUSION The students reported chronic pelvic pain of mild to moderate intensity, with most lacking a formal clinical diagnosis. Identifying the profile of affected individuals is essential to ensure appropriate care and support, as well as to promote early diagnosis and effective intervention strategies.

Keywords:
Chronic pain; Pelvic pain; Students

HIGHLIGHTS

Pelvic pain in female university students was characterized as a stabbing pain/sensation

Chronic pelvic pain worsens during sexual intercourse

Chronic pelvic pain was present for more than a year, which reinforces the need for educational activities

Items		n	%
Total		40	100
Course
Physiotherapy		24	60
Nutrition		16	40
Age (years)
20 to 29		38	95
30 to 40		2	5
Study/work
Only studies		15	37.5
Works and studies		25	62.5
Presence of pelvic pain	14	14	35
Absence of pelvic pain	26	26	65

Items	n	%
Total	14	100
Does not have a diagnosis	10	72
Teratoma	1	7
Endometriosis	1	7
Overactive bladder and constipation	1	7
Kidney stones	1	7

Items	n	%
Total	14	100
Time
3 to 6 months	3	21
6 to 12 months	1	7
More than one year	10	72
Intensity
1 to 5	9	64.3
5 to 10	5	35.7

Items	n	%
Total	14	100
Gynecologist	8	57.1
Analgesic	5	35.7
Diet	4	28.5
Urologist	2	14.2
Physiotherapy	1	7

Items	n	%
Total	14	100
Stabbing	11	78.5
Throbbing	8	57.1
Burning	5	35.7
Heavy	4	28.5
Piercing	3	21
Cutting	3	21

Items	n	%
Total	14	100
Pain improves at rest	14	100
Worsening of pain after prolonged activities	3	21
Pain during sexual intercourse	8	57.1
Throbbing sensation after intercourse	5	35.7
Marital issues	7	50
Pain when sitting	2	14.2
Impediment in carrying out activities	5	35.7
Episodes of severe pain that stop spontaneously	7	50

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