Pelvic Health Red Flags: Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

By Roberta Bass, Women’s Health Physiotherapist
Thrive and Shine Women’s Wellness | Making Sense of Women’s Health Podcast

Pelvic health is something many women don’t talk about — and when we do, we’re often told to put up with it, wait it out, or that it’s “just part of being a woman.”

But not all pelvic symptoms are normal. Some may indicate more serious underlying conditions that require medical attention, while others, even if not dangerous, can significantly affect your quality of life. Either way, you deserve to be taken seriously.

This blog will help you understand which pelvic health symptoms are red flags, when to seek help, and what support is available — even if your test results say everything is “fine.”

Why Pelvic Health Symptoms Often Get Dismissed

Many women are used to minimising their symptoms. We’re taught that things like leaking, pain, or irregular bleeding are “normal,” especially after childbirth or during menopause.

You might hear:

• “It’s just your age.”

• “Everyone leaks a bit after babies.”

• “Your scan was normal, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

But just because a symptom is common doesn't mean it’s normal or harmless. And it definitely doesn’t mean you have to live with it.

By recognising the warning signs and trusting your instincts, you can advocate for yourself and access the care you need.

10 Pelvic Health Red Flags to Be Aware Of

These are symptoms that should always be discussed with your GP or a qualified healthcare provider:

1. Vaginal bleeding after menopause
   Any bleeding — even spotting — after your periods have stopped for 12 months needs to be investigated.

2. Bleeding between periods or after intercourse
   This can be caused by hormonal fluctuations, polyps, infections, or sometimes cervical changes that need further assessment.

3. Persistent or unexplained bloating
   Bloating that doesn’t come and go — especially when combined with needing to wee more often, feeling full quickly, or weight loss — can be a sign of ovarian cancer and should never be ignored.

4. New or ongoing pelvic or lower abdominal pain
   Pain that’s consistent, worsening, or interfering with daily life could point to endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, or other underlying conditions.

5. Pain during intercourse
   Often linked to pelvic floor dysfunction, vaginal dryness, scar tissue, or hormonal changes — all of which can be treated or improved with the right support.

6. Changes in bladder or bowel habits
   This includes increased urgency or frequency, straining, incomplete emptying, or constipation that persists.

7. Loss of bladder or bowel control
   Even occasional leaks — of urine or stool — should be assessed. These are signs your pelvic floor may need targeted rehabilitation.

8. Numbness or tingling in the saddle area
   This refers to the area between your thighs, around the anus or genitals. It could be a sign of cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious condition involving nerve compression in the spine. This is a medical emergency and you should seek urgent help if you experience this — especially if it's accompanied by changes in bladder or bowel control.

9. Unusual vaginal discharge
   Discharge that is heavy, smelly, irritating, or has changed significantly in colour or texture can indicate infection or other changes.

10. Unexplained weight loss
    Especially if combined with any of the above symptoms — this is something that should always be investigated further.

When to See a GP or Seek Emergency Help

If you’re experiencing any of the red flag symptoms listed above, your first step should be to speak to your GP. These symptoms may indicate conditions that require diagnosis, further testing, or medical treatment.

⚠️ In some cases — such as numbness in the saddle area, sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, or unexplained weight loss — you may need urgent medical attention. Don’t delay. Seek help immediately by contacting 111, your GP, or A&E, depending on severity.

Physiotherapy is a valuable next step after serious issues have been ruled out, or as part of your longer-term care and recovery.

"Everything Is Normal" — But You Still Don’t Feel Right?

One of the most frustrating experiences women share with me is being told that everything looks normal when your body clearly feels different.

You might:

• Still leak urine during exercise or sneezing

• Avoid intimacy because of discomfort

• Feel pressure or dragging sensations

• Worry about your bladder on every outing

• Struggle with persistent bloating or fatigue

Even if your scans, swabs or blood tests are fine, your symptoms still matter. As a Women’s Health Physiotherapist, I regularly support women with symptoms that fall between the cracks of traditional medicine — and see first-hand how much better life can be when you get the right care.

What Could Be Causing These Symptoms?

While a full medical assessment is essential for any red flag symptoms, here are some common pelvic health issues that may be contributing:

• Pelvic floor dysfunction
  Often due to childbirth, ageing, menopause, or poor movement habits. Can lead to leaking, heaviness, pain, and bladder/bowel issues.

• Pelvic organ prolapse
  When one or more organs shift downward into the vaginal space. Can cause pressure, discomfort, or trouble emptying the bladder or bowels.

• Perimenopause and menopause
  Hormonal changes affect the bladder, pelvic floor, vaginal tissues, digestion, and even mood — increasing the likelihood of symptoms like urgency, dryness, and bloating.

• Postnatal recovery challenges
  Abdominal separation (diastasis), prolapse, scar tissue, or pelvic floor weakness can all persist long after the six-week check-up.

• Musculoskeletal issues
  Hip, back or sacroiliac joint pain can mimic or aggravate pelvic symptoms, especially if posture or movement patterns are affected.

How Women’s Health Physiotherapy Can Help

Many symptoms can be managed, improved, or even resolved with the right support — even if they’ve been going on for years.

A tailored physiotherapy approach can include:

• Pelvic floor rehab (strengthening or relaxing techniques)

• Manual therapy to release tension or address scar tissue

• Exercise programming to build strength and confidence

• Breathing, posture, and core control work

• Education and reassurance about what’s happening in your body

You Don’t Have to Put Up with Pelvic Symptoms

Whether you’re experiencing something new, or dealing with long-standing discomfort, it’s never too early — or too late — to seek help.

Symptoms don’t have to be extreme to be valid. And they don’t have to be permanent.

Get the Right Support for Your Stage of Life

Explore Women’s Health Physiotherapy for personalised support with pain, pelvic health, and movement.
💬 Or choose a focused check-in:

• Postnatal MOT

• Menopause MOT