For many women, pelvic pain is a silent battle—often dismissed, misunderstood, or misdiagnosed. Dr. Sonia Bahlani, a leading specialist in pelvic floor disorders, has dedicated her career to changing that narrative. With a background in both OB/GYN and urology, she took an unconventional path to bridge a critical gap in women’s healthcare.
After witnessing countless patients struggle to find answers, Dr. Bahlani made it her mission to provide compassionate, multidisciplinary care that treats not just symptoms, but the root causes of pelvic pain. In this interview, she shares her journey, the misconceptions surrounding pelvic floor disorders, and why a patient-centered approach is the key to effective treatment. Whether you’re personally affected by pelvic pain or simply interested in the evolution of women’s healthcare, Dr. Bahlani’s insights are both eye-opening and empowering.
HELLO DR. SONIA BAHLANI, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! YOUR JOURNEY INTO SPECIALIZING IN PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS WAS UNCONVENTIONAL. WHAT WAS THE TURNING POINT THAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO SHIFT FROM OB/GYN TO PELVIC PAIN TREATMENT?
My journey into specializing in pelvic pain was deeply personal and driven by a realization that so many patients were suffering in silence. During my OB/GYN training, I encountered countless individuals many of whom had been dismissed or told their pain was “normal” who were struggling with conditions that traditional medicine often overlooked. The turning point came when I realized that while we had advanced treatments for many aspects of women’s health, there was a significant gap in care when it came to chronic pelvic pain.
I wanted to bridge that gap. This led me to pursue a fellowship in urology and chronic pelvic pain, where I could develop a more comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. My goal has always been to give my patients the answers, validation, and treatment options they deserve. Pelvic pain is complex, but with the right approach, it is treatable and I knew I wanted to be part of the solution.
PELVIC PAIN IS OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD AND OVERLOOKED IN MEDICAL SETTINGS. WHY DO YOU THINK SO MANY WOMEN STRUGGLE TO GET A PROPER DIAGNOSIS, AND WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE IN HEALTHCARE TO ADDRESS THIS?
Pelvic pain is one of the most misunderstood and overlooked conditions in medicine, and much of that stems from the way our healthcare system is structured. Traditionally, medicine has been very compartmentalized—OB/GYNs focus on reproductive health, urologists on the bladder, and gastroenterologists on the gut yet pelvic pain often involves multiple systems. Because of this, patients are frequently bounced between specialists without getting a comprehensive diagnosis or treatment plan.
Another major factor is the long-standing tendency to dismiss or minimize women’s pain. Too often, women are told their symptoms are “normal,” “in their head,” or just part of being a woman. This not only delays diagnosis but also leads to feelings of frustration, isolation, and self-doubt. To change this, we need a shift in both medical education and patient care. Physicians need better training in recognizing and treating pelvic pain from a multidisciplinary perspective, rather than treating symptoms in isolation.
We also need to create a culture where women’s pain is taken seriously, validated, and addressed with evidence-based solutions. No one should have to spend years searching for answers. Pelvic pain is real, and it deserves real attention.
YOU TRAINED IN BOTH OB/GYN AND UROLOGY, GIVING YOU A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON WOMEN’S HEALTH. HOW DOES THIS DUAL EXPERTISE SHAPE YOUR APPROACH TO DIAGNOSING AND TREATING PELVIC PAIN?
My training in both OB/GYN and urology has given me a broader, more integrative perspective on pelvic pain—one that goes beyond a single organ system. Too often, pelvic pain is approached in a siloed way, with patients seeing multiple specialists who each focus on just one piece of the puzzle. But the reality is that pelvic pain is complex and often involves the reproductive, urinary, musculoskeletal, and even gastrointestinal systems.
By combining my background in OB/GYN with specialized training in urology and pelvic pain, I’m able to take a more comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment. I look at the full picture how different systems interact, how the nerves and muscles contribute to pain, and how underlying conditions may be connected. This allows me to tailor treatment plans that address not just symptoms, but the root causes of pain.
Ultimately, my goal is to provide patients with answers and a path forward. Pelvic pain is treatable, and with the right approach, patients can regain control of their health and well-being.
YOU TAKE A HOLISTIC, PATIENT-CENTRIC APPROACH TO TREATMENT. WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE IN PRACTICE, AND HOW DO YOU TAILOR TREATMENT PLANS FOR EACH PATIENT?
A holistic, patient-centric approach means looking beyond just the symptoms and truly understanding the person behind them. Pelvic pain is rarely a one-size-fits-all condition; it’s complex, multifaceted, and deeply personal. That’s why my first priority is listening. I take the time to hear my patients’ full stories, understand their experiences, and validate their pain. Many of them have been dismissed or misdiagnosed for years, so creating a space where they feel heard is essential.
In practice, this approach involves a comprehensive evaluation that considers not just the reproductive system, but also the urinary, musculoskeletal, and neurological factors that could be contributing to their pain. I also assess lifestyle, stress, and overall health, recognizing that pelvic pain can be influenced by everything from diet to past trauma.
Treatment is always tailored to the individual. It may include medication, nerve modulation, pelvic floor physical therapy, dietary modifications, or mindfulness-based techniques—often, it’s a combination of these. I collaborate with other specialists when needed to ensure my patients get the most effective, multidisciplinary care.
Ultimately, my goal is to empower patients with knowledge and a treatment plan that works for them. Pelvic pain is treatable, and by addressing it in a comprehensive, personalized way, we can help patients reclaim their lives.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS THAT YOU’D LIKE TO CORRECT?
There are so many misconceptions about pelvic floor disorders, and these myths often prevent people from seeking the care they need. A few of the most common ones I’d like to correct:
Pelvic pain is “just part of being a woman.” Many patients are told their pain is normal—whether it’s during their period, intercourse, or even daily activities. Pain is never normal. It’s a signal from your body that something needs attention, and it deserves to be taken seriously.
Pelvic floor disorders only affect postpartum or older women. While childbirth and aging can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction, these issues can affect anyone, including young women, athletes, and even men. Conditions like endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction don’t discriminate by age or life stage.
If tests come back normal, there’s nothing wrong. Many pelvic pain disorders don’t show up on routine imaging or lab tests. That doesn’t mean the pain isn’t real—it means we need to take a deeper, more nuanced approach to diagnosis.
Kegels are the answer to every pelvic floor problem. While Kegels can help some individuals with muscle weakness, they can actually make things worse for those with pelvic floor tightness or spasm. That’s why a personalized approach is so important.
If nothing has worked before, nothing will help. I see many patients who have spent years trying treatments that didn’t work. But pelvic pain is treatable; it just requires the right diagnosis and a tailored, multidisciplinary approach. No one should have to live with chronic pain.
Breaking these misconceptions is key to helping people get the care they need. Awareness and education are the first steps toward real solutions.
PELVIC PAIN CAN TAKE A HUGE TOLL ON MENTAL HEALTH. HOW DO YOU HELP PATIENTS NAVIGATE BOTH THE PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL ASPECTS OF THEIR CONDITION?
Pelvic pain isn’t just a physical condition—it profoundly impacts mental and emotional well-being. Many of my patients struggle with anxiety, depression, frustration, and even feelings of isolation because they’ve been dealing with pain for so long, often without clear answers or validation. That’s why I take a whole-person approach to care, addressing both the physical and emotional toll of pelvic pain.
First and foremost, I make sure my patients feel heard. So many have been dismissed or told their pain is “in their head.” I assure them that their pain is real, and we work together to understand the underlying causes. That validation alone can be incredibly powerful.
Beyond medical treatments, I encourage a multidisciplinary approach that may include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and other integrative techniques. I also collaborate with mental health professionals when needed, because chronic pain and emotional distress are deeply connected.
Most importantly, I remind my patients that they are not alone. Pelvic pain is treatable, and with the right approach, they can regain control of their health and their lives. Healing isn’t just about reducing pain it’s about restoring confidence, hope, and overall well-being.
YOU’VE WORKED WITH PIONEERS IN THE FIELD OF PELVIC PAIN. CAN YOU SHARE ANY KEY INSIGHTS OR INNOVATIONS YOU’VE LEARNED FROM THEM THAT HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR PRACTICE?
Working alongside pioneers in the field of pelvic pain has been instrumental in shaping my approach to patient care. One of the most valuable insights I’ve gained is the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Pelvic pain is rarely confined to one system it often involves a complex interplay between the nervous system, muscles, bladder, and reproductive organs. Learning from leaders in urology, gynecology, pain management, and physical therapy reinforced the need to look beyond traditional diagnostic frameworks and treat the patient as a whole.
Another key lesson has been the evolving understanding of the role of the nervous system in chronic pain. Advances in pain science have shown that for many patients, the issue isn’t just localized to one organ but involves nerve sensitization, which requires a more nuanced approach to treatment. Innovations such as neuromodulation, targeted medications, and integrative therapies have been game-changers in improving patient outcomes. These insights have reinforced my belief that pelvic pain is treatable; it just requires the right combination of expertise, compassion, and personalized care.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN WHO ARE SILENTLY SUFFERING FROM PELVIC PAIN AND STRUGGLING TO FIND ANSWERS?
My biggest piece of advice to women suffering in silence is this: your pain is real, and you deserve to be heard. Too often, pelvic pain is dismissed or misdiagnosed, leaving patients feeling hopeless and alone. If you’ve been told your pain is “normal” or that there’s nothing wrong because your tests are clear, don’t stop searching for answers. Advocate for yourself, seek out specialists who truly understand pelvic pain, and know that you are not alone in this journey.
I also encourage women to take a multidisciplinary approach to their healing. Pelvic pain is complex, often involving multiple systems, and may require a combination of treatments—whether it’s medication, pelvic floor physical therapy, dietary changes, or mindfulness techniques. Healing takes time, but with the right care and support, it is absolutely possible to find relief. No one should have to live in pain, and there is hope for a better, pain-free future.
Thank you, Dr. Sonia Bahlani, for sharing your insights and shedding light on the importance of comprehensive care for pelvic pain. If you would like to learn more about her work, visit her official website at www.pelvicpaindoc.com and don’t forget to follow her on Instagram at @pelvicpaindoc for more updates and expert advice.
