When I was officially diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain, my specialist gave me a sheet of basic “Do’s and Don’ts” for my condition. First thing I read under the “Don’ts” section: “Avoid sitting at all costs.”

As an internet connoisseur and (at the time) student, I remember being appalled by this realization. How was I going to continue my life without sitting? How was I going to drive to school? When I asked my doctor about it, his answer was blunt and unwavering: “If you want to get better, then you have to make it work.”

I was resistant to this idea initially, but, of course, this ended up being true. My sedentary lifestyle simply couldn’t continue if I wanted to recover.

But it also isn’t realistic to assume that pelvic pain sufferers can navigate through modern life avoiding sitting entirely. There are some day-to-day activities where sitting is necessary. If you’re a student, desk jockey, or commuter, then eliminating sitting from your life is easier said than done.

For instances where you’re required to sit, you’ll need something to relieve that nagging pain radiating from your loins. Well there’s a solution for that. Early on, doctors realized that pelvic pain patients experienced brief respite when sitting on the toilet. It makes sense, considering it takes the stress off of your problem region.

That’s great and all, but who wants to drag a porcelain throne into their cubicle every day? Doctors found a more practical solution by creating cushions with a hole in the center, which works similarly to a toilet seat.

If you decide to purchase one of the cushions below, it will quickly become your best friend. My pain would have likely become significantly worse without it. Believe it or not, there’s an entire market out there for these cushions, but not all of them are created equal. Here is a list of some of my favorites, along with a few that have been recommended to me by other Pelvic Pain patients:

Thera-Seat

Tthis is one of the more pricey options in the list, but it’s definitely my favorite. Thera-Seat is made out of a durable foam that’s liquid-resistant and will last you a lifetime. Mine has been going strong for over six years now! It’s large enough to support people of almost every size. Like all cushions made for pelvic pain, it has a large, oval hole in the center to take the pressure off of your pelvic region. Many of the jobs I’ve had involved a lot of desk sitting and carrying a cushion into work was always a little embarrassing, especially if the giant hole in the center was visible. I even got a few unappreciated hemorrhoid jokes every now and again. It was a relief to discover a quality cushion with a slip cover. It has zipper closure that allows you to be discreet and helps the cushion last longer. This feature is especially useful if you commonly go commando and want to give it regular washes. It even has a handle for easy mobility. You can bring it into work right next to your handbag! It’s only available in black, but I personally don’t want to draw attention to my cushion, so I found the black option appealing. Thera-Seat can be found here.

Twin Cheeks Folding Cushion

Gotta love a cushion company with a sense of humor! Anyone who suffers from chronic pain needs a laugh every now and again. Anyway, the cushion is built similar to its humorous namesake, with two separate cushions for each butt cheek and a large “canyon” down the center. This allows complete relief for your pelvic/vulva area. The best part? The two separate cushions are adjustable, so you can customize it to your shape and pain levels. If you’re constantly finding cushions that fit oddly around your bum, then this might be a great option for you. It’s also great for the travel buff, since it folds up. If you have a big purse, save some room for this baby! Because it’s meant to be discrete, it only comes in black and navy blue. It’s also a bit on the pricey side, but did you read about all of those features? Totally worth it for ease of use and pain relief. The Twin Cheeks Folding Cushion can be found here.

Pelvic Pain Solution’s Seat Cushion

This cushion is sold by PelvicPainSolution.com, a website that specializes in pelvic pain products. This square seat cushion has a long, 12-inch “channel” cut down the center, creating an opening at the back of the cushion for your tail bone. You can place the channel in the front or back of you, depending on the nature of your pain. The foam is high quality and firm, and is guaranteed to last up to 15 years. However, this cushion is less discreet than many of the others on this list. Though it is made of durable fabric that won’t stain or tear, the “channel” is fully visible and has no slip cover. It also comes in a variety of colors to match your personality and decor. Hey, might as well have a little fun with it, right? If you want to wear your pelvic pain condition proudly, then this is the cushion for you. Pelvic Pain Solution’s Cushion can be found here.

Duro-Med Molded Foam Ring Cushion

To be perfectly honest, I’ve never used a ring or “donut” cushion before. I always thought they looked a little uncomfortable compared to square cushions, but some people swear by them. It’s about 18 inches in diameter, but is not adjustable. Unlike many other donut cushions, which are usually inflatable, the Duro-Med is made from a sturdy foam that will support your cheeks without too much give. It also has a removable slip cover, allowing for easy clean. Amazon sells the slip cover in a few different colors and patterns, including navy, white, and plaid. Compared to the other cushions on this list, it’s a steal price-wise. Keep in mind that some Amazon reviews have suggested that it’s not as long-lasting as some of pricier cushions. It’s probably ideal for more short-term pain or someone just looking to test out a donut cushion for a few months. The Duro-Med Ring Cushion can be found here.

DIY Donut Seat

Let’s just be honest here. Sometimes you simply don’t have the money to purchase at $75+ piece of foam to support your bum. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should have to endure pain just to stay within budget. There’s a great tutorial on how to make handmade cushions on this blog.

Always keep in mind that pain acts differently for everyone. Some of these cushions may not work for your pain. Make sure you know the company’s return policy or try a similar cushion before purchasing something permanently. As always, be sure to consult your specialist if you have any questions and concerns.

If any of you have had a great cushion experience, post the cushion name and condition it helps you with below. As always, all other comments are welcome as well!