--- title: "The Physical Effects of Sexual Trauma: Chronic Pelvic Pain" date: 2025-06-09T13:00:00-04:00 author: Jonese Austin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-physical-effects-of-sexual-trauma-chronic-pelvic-pain" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# The Physical Effects of Sexual Trauma: Chronic Pelvic Pain Because the body and mind are interconnected, sexual trauma can affect the physical body. In this article, Caitlyn, a pelvic health physical therapist, focuses closely on how sexual trauma contributes to chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Survivors of sexual trauma are more likely to report experiences of chronic pelvic pain. This includes pain during gynecological pelvic exams, genital bleeding, and while peeing. Pelvic pain also affects the sexual relationships of survivors. They may experience pain during sexual intercourse and may even develop vaginismus. This can contribute to a decrease in sexual desire and difficulties with achieving sexual arousal and orgasm. Sexual trauma can influence other cycles and bodily systems. It can cause menstrual pain, digestive (GI) tract disorders, urinary tract infections, and vaginal infections. > We learned that chronic pain conditions are more common in survivors of sexual trauma than in those who have not experienced this type of traumatic event. This pattern holds true for chronic pelvic pain (CPP): survivors are more likely to experience persistent pain in the abdomen, pelvis, or both. [Read the full article ](https://www.scarleteen.com/read/abuse/experiencing-aftershocks-physical-effects-sexual-trauma) SOURCE: Scarleteen • AUTHOR: Caitlyn Tivy PT, DPT, OCS • LAST UPDATED: December 28, 2023 ![A woman sits on a bed, clasping her midsection as though in pain](data:image/png;base64,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) Khunatorn/Adobe Stock ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ sexual anatomies & sexual health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/sexual-anatomies-sexual-health) - [ chronic conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/chronic-conditions) - [ vulvovaginal & urinary problems](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/vulvo-vaginal-urinary-problems) - [ chronic pain](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/chronic-pain) - [ diagnosis of chronic conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/diagnosis-of-chronic-conditions) - [pelvic pain](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/pelvic-pain) - [painful sex](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/painful-sex) - [menstrual pain](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/menstrual-pain) - [sexual abuse](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sexual-abuse) - [UTI (urinary tract infection)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/uti-urinary-tract-infection) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Stories of Chronic Vulvovaginal and Pelvic Pain This multimedia zine is a fantastic resource for people with chronic vulvovaginal and pelvic pain (and those who care about them). ![Opening Up Zine](data:image/png;base64,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) This multimedia zine is a fantastic resource for people with chronic vulvovaginal and pelvic pain (and those who care about them).](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/stories-of-chronic-vulvovaginal-and-pelvic-pain) [ResourcesRead ## When Sex is Painful A concise, factual, and helpful outline of the various types of vulvovaginal pain and their treatments. ![A woman lies in bed with a sad or disappointed look on her face](data:image/png;base64,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) A concise, factual, and helpful outline of the various types of vulvovaginal pain and their treatments.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/when-sex-is-painful) [ResourcesRead ## Survivor's Toolkit for Survivors of Sexual Trauma A collection of resources created by and designed for survivors of sexual trauma. ![Pexels polina tankilevitch metoo scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEMklEQVRIiWVWS5Ijtw7MD8qe8P1v4whv3nG8sSPGM/oR+RZgldR2iS2xpapMZgIEyD9+/x8QIMxCXsiTeaAfWff0La/7et3W67ae9+fj/nw8HvfH4/683573n8/bz+f95/P243n78bj/c3/8c3t8//H8+/vzz7/W/e8GGhD2lfng+f+eESQIYj4x8/MGvm9/P0l+oKAGmgCQuZ/ZD5NskhTnkkhhfyNA3Py81hgwAMQvBG/0ZJAHPpQoSJElU9JM2OQaMkBb5ikWJEpvAm4FGY7tRRNiokCIY6vtVcsttdSUqQYNrpDBDISM3gS8LNo/IXslIiJAgWkjle647ZZbbmqGQc0ImdEkpYxvhdtrFDQAMkQISCDAoaPDEppppNPtFTtyTo4FGbxoGCoWDuO3b8B3PiYGBJHhECGSECPGYTcKSJI2XHFFzmnUa0RkhhQLZfxyIN/oJ9a9yCZARIiEIRAoCDGUnqxL0lgr9ohY9KJqc8iQMBObx0H8igryy2URJjwiLIoSQCA9yRgEQ/CquOJa8qIKqo07o4rHASy62RqCXNlMRqIEU5qFC+lRgO54jUVLPuQlv6SiijJUcNHF4xA7TaSYVdgWcZYvQaIF0QIRhjwJxqJ2HfbSwNn0QJtVPIpoKWhNBhUnyJwEo0gPByESYUSACdzxK65J1iW/To6Si3XQS3UEgIkUsYAUGYJkSPKtYEQEYbJjbMcVe83yPwddqvJxdAIRLWIBTaY4m2DQeRYaUeKEN00EMezILZf8su0PAlepDh1dSZtoE2vyvt5VZCsgpS8EJIBuyG3Z9ol7clSpDlfXagBaAppoIWQKG5onB0VyE5BIEow/S7Kn3smWSrarZtTR25/lTcAQqP9gnwykJjjdkaa2itoldThcdrmq6ngdOQJR8SKWdmlAkeJbxL+uKcMSQ81LnzT2eFY++lhBIAm9iJ7kFFLQrv4gp2B9WDYNKnhr5I7RxVDlWlXdRwC2FrKYszZzFJxx2N0KxIlNZKJ85sJ/SOyqqupuEGwL7alss8ICfXYZfm2BfHfqzx58ds9BH4eqjgQCu41uYRfmHQNs8E9ofhwEPlneFl4c5VqFBITSzZ7WEk33hLwPC+exIe8ODiLBmaofWsirQ49LSSAo3UiUrQBAgfo8g4QXepA3OjbFPoJQs1dk2RU3EjY7q5kw2N2XKNJvV6bqbHSEA595HxJMeQe2S5blMhA2GgwSJgKmB38q+DDhdGYzfBGx1Z4aIm8FArMyCiYG26LLnuEIkvA0PW8RuKKDa+dLtNSChXmKwakAHwrmzHWtf/A4llwaklPklRfa4QbMRsCwR8Fl0d5T89eDvilzWXW6dI13l6U4FaIhAiEuAhCpjwNsAO7wAuEOyryNKny5ri0xVUbKAFO8OPipYHO86T5U4PPbK+M2Q84tdFaZvKf/B+/LjoLtZ0+9AAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) A collection of resources created by and designed for survivors of sexual trauma.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/survivors-toolkit-for-survivors-of-sexual-trauma) [ResourcesRead ## Tips and Tricks for Finding Healing After Sexual Assault This piece, written by a sexual assault survivor, encourages us to forgive ourselves and realize that we are not the cause of our trauma. ![Sasha freemind silhouette against sunset unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) This piece, written by a sexual assault survivor, encourages us to forgive ourselves and realize that we are not the cause of our trauma.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/tips-and-tricks-for-finding-healing-after-sexual-assault) [ResourcesRead ## PTSD in Survivors of Sexual Assault When a bad thing happens to you, like sexual assault, sometimes, it feels like it's still happening even long after it’s over. ![A caricature of a woman in bed, her face in terror and pain. She and the bed are light pink with a deeper pink in the background.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAADJElEQVRIiX2WW3KlQAxDjxxWN9+z/53Emg8/urlJDUV1uAQs2bLVyH/+AiBLaNdAQkGoLiQBtQLC2Nh2Ytvfzkyn89tOZ9ppGxwdnf8cAvzLY/Ln2g/vYXg8t3zuqlftCxIyzFoPG2S88AVjNKeBZ/5XLPSx1qn6qRc7EEoIu+p1UplTXBn8Gj1qNdLiqZgXxTCJZIdlO7KRrgxyAN7RA8VeSLIkagWwjItokbWJyaNhisZzKj6htziu6HNH0ukjW3ILUBmZxJbtOwmeJK4miY0LYQUEhBRIQlefumOCBbZFKu2Ku9nwZImjK4M7ujqJzkBHaJFbh/oxcW2c01TP92rQ8xXmrPBF0T9JVE2NxGQwjVQAmSU7QD6pnbVJQqdKu6rmmVLBMznCsrBs2QrLqbArD4Gmi/RrfYr+yNA61/xVF41pFABhMgmTHsZPzsSW/xh1g5YdrQwDIGQsgGyHcBW9MohUGlmyheJJ9fgMRlhCUdcb3e13PQouZUmWvjLV3dlVkjGPNV2vXQtDC0DUhdxVcvtEhjErAJVBlM41jc+oWhE/7FrEBSNJGu8yRHuRbKUlS5VESnYzngzEvR9sy3bQLn4bBity4HSFtj52FGyhBuCmTxyYSUJECf7TUOe8KnGQrIcDsN5cBlEBhaTe12aUz75zMuOkPpuKMDxSN10FsrYbm7jmThNF6kY1VGHRYOhct0M/42AlQ9vBfSrUU9HIK/L0d2OgFpKGBMFT8z87Qu0xU/QY6OmpfYr1CpF6aVE8rGKhR7qiL0b0O2xoHZmY1WARIruEF0yXyC8A6Y30xhiCvT317t8Stvf4PNl5PjEAfoVuOznct1lGPmOofYaY0HFhFIWnxXjR952QPs7x6uJdf1JEO2tjRGljfmrwM/rOaXNYlWuzjHnXk0FATlM80S8YaghOKprZjEXqmazvrvI4co2G9ojy9AZQS/RRpQq9rx2FxXzMzagFrrtR2/OyaQ025WMzZqd7SbV43gapXTlf0/Y+BSau6N4PjJe8S6oNtxggHR6HZJttf9mKyuA+3nN9P7ov9/3rjdomNL81ZoL4BxFh+QK1zAjWAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) When a bad thing happens to you, like sexual assault, sometimes, it feels like it's still happening even long after it’s over.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ptsd-in-survivors-of-sexual-assault) [ResourcesRead ## Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections caused by bacteria. UTIs are treatable and may be preventable. ![A wooden toy person sits on a white toilet.](data:image/png;base64,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) Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections caused by bacteria. UTIs are treatable and may be preventable.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/urinary-tract-infections-utis) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Difficult Menstrual Cycles CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager. ![Menstruation](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAADdElEQVRIiW2WUZarSAxDJYfFzf9s7S23S3c+bAOdN2maUwFiWbaswn/+/QfNBxACgCAgJH0WIacXCiQCgZA6AJYsS7JkSbJRab5I7OLvj/9e+OvCHdbvJ6zrHRT9epxn5cY3+w+2+yf/g/7k6utO/wuBrwQbpqO/7jSyxX3Jr4Wkq5gsYM7hea7jeVavuC5N9XnuMTDeLB6ATpk7N55Gzc1Xzd9AEpM+krGW4GJcxUbXaEIov9Ppk/frduMpq4WQxSaHtznfAOkow4BfPVgR+qmaXlJgckKmc+ABkBQB8wPuEo2eJ7rdXPrqE3oBJLAx1srs+mwP9DSDEuhNwja2sLtYs75ZwQMANsIaBnmCR1jUqHtHdAvTcVWv9UOm20sDNJ5swVV0ZVQvJhYy9tMGy1OcOS+VUS2mxZr35Fq6nB4WWjk2Vh/a84ZdVdlWeZpiSRjbnX4JnNwYl/O2KgTq9JHqnot70rYDg3P3/jXJbOFA9jfAHEbGkapl1zP04m4PhXtWsJUb4baHSwvw65hBuCUkM5b3q1p9q4frjrs+2XEvnaxcoEMPwNqDpXSO0/65P6FtjxeN1dyW01ZBeKLrEZqKnTLbntkIHi5+eY7vIerM9zuCK0lLE94yRvRutBVqZbZUutQ1ad+GD3KLfp0HuJgSgdhdMDJ4H+3ROlOpYfBIwN1MhFvsnWoG6jovBrPfiji4WbYEa5pxvKLE1TK6HWZKoOy2TpfotIyIgESJwMEQ6XNvPFOrPluy6jbFMcgBCMwhuE5O30aE0AAK/UYwU8HdDMu+LNmgyu7+XfJ+9+i3kq5Rrp8OKNHRyZAUFNTox10gLcan61Tjc8tg3niGBJDrnDME9FBDkaCkkijz8ej+mHaidt70ZcZj8q5Pc7l+chZ/C5cjpfdAl5TPzqdL7QfHSB+3y7VhjG76rWyiB0ZFOwY5SsQRp7VIuRXbkSZ32SoRValmI0ZPil2lEMR1bgaJcpQjjhITGZc9ZMqyVFZJZaJPO6/HS5VR4htmGUhEiRLn6Bw3jOSygrBUdtmRY2delzrveVfZDn8DECHPkB2f+BzlR4mFyjPMLvljxxU7UlPTbg899LlH7JbqlTaFkf7ALAlUJWyX6+OKijmMspa8DPZv+91W0RM9exnsIIczHKVSoc+MhzuVguAZwcfb3rbZw/sfXqjyomaotUQAAAAASUVORK5CYII=) CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-menstruation-cb) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## It Was Like Somebody Turned on a Faucet CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts. ![Period Blood](data:image/png;base64,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) CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/living-with-irregular-menstrual-cycles)