The Kids and Teens Pelvic Pain Clinical Network is a specialist service supporting children and young people experiencing pelvic pain, heavy periods, painful periods, or vulval pain.
The service is supported by The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH).
The network offers trusted online information and resources to help children, young people and families understand their symptoms and access appropriate care and support.
It can also help connect eligible patients with specialist services to support the management of their pain.
The experts involved in developing this resource network include GPs, pain and pelvic floor physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, dietitians and paediatric and adolescent gynaecologists and nurses.
children and young people under 18 years of age who experience
acute or persistent pelvic pain
heavy or painful periods
vulval pain
parents, carers and guardians of children and young people under 18 years of age who experience these conditions
teachers, school nurses and community leaders who work with young people who may experience pelvic pain
health professionals including GPs, dietitians, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
The Kids and Teens Pelvic Pain Clinical Network does not provide services for concerns relating to fertility, pregnancy or cancer treatment (oncology).
Services available
The Kids and Teens Pelvic Pain Clinical Network provides:
a central point of contact for support and advice for children and young people experiencing acute or persistent pelvic pain
access to a Navigation Nurse who will help you navigate your health pathways by better understanding your experience
education, resources and referrals to specialist services, where appropriate.
Online resources
Young people, parents and carers can also access information and resources through the dedicated Kids and Teens Pelvic Pain Clinical Network online resource hub, delivered by The Royal Children's Hospital.
The online resource hub includes information to help young people and families:
understand their symptoms
learn about available treatment and support options
find services that may be right for them.
These resources have been shaped by the voices of young people and developed with advice from a multidisciplinary team of experts including psychologists, dietitians, pelvic health physiotherapists, occupational therapists, general practitioners, gynaecologists and nurses.
To access the Kids and Teens Pelvic Pain Clinical Network Nurse Navigation service, you must complete an online triage form on The Royal Children's Hospital website. The triage form asks about your or your child's symptoms, health concerns and support needs.
After reviewing the triage form, a Navigation Nurse at The Royal Children’s Hospital will provide tailored information and resources via email.
Along with the resource email, you will receive a booking link if you would like to request a telehealth consultation with the Navigation Nurse.
During the consultation, the nurse will listen to your health concerns and offer information about suitable services available and referral options to a trusted network of health professionals as close as possible to your home.
Referrals are made based on your or your child’s circumstances, such as:
where you live
whether you have a GP
any other supports or services you have already accessed.
Following a referral, the Navigation Nurse will contact you within three months to check whether your care needs have been met and whether you need any additional support.
What this service does not provide
The Kids and Teens Pelvic Pain Clinical Network does not provide:
in-person clinic appointments
diagnosis of medical conditions
ongoing case management beyond the three-month follow-up period
provide investigation referrals or results
prescriptions or medication management.
Cost of services
Virtual consultations with The Royal Children's Hospital Navigation Nurse are free.
Some follow-up services recommended through your care pathway, such as procedures or medications, may have costs.
Where to get help
Women's Health Clinics provide free information, specialist care and services for women's health issues and conditions. Services are available for women, girls and gender diverse people aged 16 years and over
The Aboriginal Women’s Health Clinic is a free dedicated health service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Victoria, providing a range of health services for women's health issues and concerns
The Mobile Women’s Health Clinic is a free service for women, girls and gender diverse people living in rural and regional Victoria. Services include women’s health and sexual and reproductive health
Your GP (doctor)
1800 My Options – Tel. 1800 696 784 for free and confidential information on contraception, pregnancy options and sexual health
