New Psychology Service Offers Support for Women Living with Pelvic Health Conditions

10 September 2025

A pioneering Women’s Health Psychology Service, launched by Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB), is helping women experiencing emotional and psychological distress linked to pelvic health conditions.

Introduced in 2023, the service was initially supported by the Tywi/Taf, North Ceredigion, and South Ceredigion GP clusters. The pilot is now continuing across Tywi/Taf and North Ceredigion GP clusters, offering both individual and group psychological support for women living with conditions such as endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, and effects of the menopause.

This initiative was developed in response to growing evidence that women with pelvic health conditions often experience significant mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. These issues can severely impact quality of life and are often under-recognised in traditional healthcare settings.

Since its launch, the service has delivered over 270 appointments, with the vast majority conducted online to ensure accessibility across both rural and urban areas. Most women attending these sessions are aged between 30 and 60 and are managing multiple physical and psychological health issues.

Among these, gynaecological pain, menopause, and perimenopause are the most commonly reported physical conditions, while anxiety, depression, and trauma are the most frequent psychological concerns. Notably, recent outcome results show the service is having a positive impact, including reductions in anxiety and depression scores and high levels of satisfaction among those receiving care.

Dr Bethan Lloyd, Head of Clinical Health Psychology at Hywel Dda UHB, said:

“Every day, we support women whose lives are profoundly affected by pelvic health problems, not only in terms of physical symptoms, but also in their mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. These challenges often extend beyond the individual, impacting families and communities.

“Through specialist, individually tailored psychological care, we help women navigate the emotional and psychological effects of gynaecological pain, heavy bleeding, fatigue, fertility issues, intimacy difficulties, and the cognitive and mood changes associated with menopause.”

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most common form of therapy delivered within the service. CBT is a talking therapy that helps people manage their problems by changing the way they think and behave.

Group CBT programmes specifically for menopause and gynaecological pain are also offered to provide psychological treatment and peer support. These group sessions provide a safe space to share experiences and learn coping strategies together.

Dr Rachel Herrick, the Service Lead at Hywel Dda UHB, shared:

“Our group programmes offer both therapeutic strategies and peer support, empowering women to manage symptoms and build resilience for the long term. Individual psychological therapy addresses depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and loss using evidence-based approaches tailored to each person’s needs.

“The results of our pilot are extremely encouraging, showing reductions in anxiety and depression, and improvements in pain management, coping, functioning, and overall quality of life. Ultimately, our goal is to help women reclaim their lives, to live with meaning, confidence, improved mental health and a renewed sense of wellbeing.”

The service has been very well received by patients. One patient shared their positive experience:

“These one-to-one sessions have helped me so much to deal with my own stress and trauma which had resulted in burnout and poor emotional health. The psychologist delivered a fantastic approach which I learnt so much from.

“I am now able to manage my hot flushes and fatigue so much better than previously. Thank you so much. A wonderful service.”

Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care, Community and Long-Term Care at Hywel Dda UHB, said:

“We are proud to be leading the way in integrating mental and physical healthcare for women. By offering psychological support close to home, we are helping women feel heard, supported, and empowered to manage their health.

“It is wonderful to see how this service is making a real difference to the lives of women.”

To access the service, women registered with a GP in the North Ceredigion or Tywi/Taf clusters can self-refer by completing this short form online (opens in a new window) or be referred by a healthcare professional.

For more information, please contact the team on 07811 719824 or Clinicalhealth.psychology.HDD@wales.nhs.uk

Please note that due to changes in local funding priorities, the service is no longer available through South Ceredigion Cluster.

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