Have you experienced chronic pelvic pain? We want to hear from you.

I am conducting research as part of my MSc in Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine and Culture at the University of Exeter, supervised by Professor Celia Morgan. My research explores women's lived experiences of chronic pelvic pain, including the impact on their emotional wellbeing, relationships, intimacy, sexuality and connection with their bodies. It also explores perspectives on somatic-informed approaches, including sexological bodywork, and psychedelic-assisted therapy as potential complementary approaches to care.

  • Chronic pelvic pain can take many forms, including:
  • Endometriosis and adenomyosis
  • Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Vulvodynia and painful sex (dyspareunia)
  • Pelvic floor dysfunction
  • Painful periods
  • Bladder pain syndrome
  • Pudendal neuralgia and other persistent pelvic, bladder or reproductive pain conditions

Despite the significant physical and psychological impact of these conditions, many women continue to experience challenges accessing effective support, feeling heard and finding approaches that address the wider impact of persistent pain.

Who can participate?

I am inviting women who were assigned female at birth and who currently experience, or have previously experienced, chronic or recurrent pelvic pain. You do not need to have any experience of psychedelics, sexological bodywork or somatic therapies to participate. All relevant experiences and perspectives are welcome.

What does participation involve?

Participation involves completing an anonymous online survey taking approximately 20 minutes. The questionnaire includes multiple-choice questions and opportunities to share your experiences in your own words. There are no interviews or follow-up appointments required.

Why is this research important?

This exploratory study aims to contribute to a better understanding of women's experiences of chronic pelvic pain, including its psychological, relational and embodied dimensions. The findings may help inform future research into multidisciplinary approaches to pelvic pain management, including the potential role of psychological, somatic and psychedelic-assisted interventions.

For counsellors and psychotherapists, this research raises important questions about how chronic physical pain intersects with trauma, emotional wellbeing, sexuality, relationships and therapeutic support.

How to participate

Please see here for more information.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and would like to contribute, please follow the link below to read the participant information and access the survey: https://exe.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5uM5jakWXkUyE9E

Can you help us reach more women?

I would be incredibly grateful if counsellors, psychotherapists and other practitioners could share this research with their professional networks, colleagues and women who may have experienced these conditions. I am currently in discussions with Dr Grace Blest-Hopley about the possibility of developing this exploratory research into a future clinical study investigating new approaches to chronic pelvic pain. Gathering a broad range of women's experiences is an important first step towards identifying the need for further research.

Whether you complete the survey yourself or help us reach women whose voices deserve to be heard, your support could make a meaningful difference to the future of women's pelvic health research.

Thank you for helping bring greater attention to this important area of women's health. Researcher: Lucy Challenger, MSc Student, University of Exeter Academic Supervisor: Professor Celia Morgan, University of Exeter