A traumatic birth can be cataclysmic. To describe a traumatic birth as a cataclysm may sound overly dramatic to some, but in reality it is deadly accurate. A cataclysm is an event that causes significant destruction or a sudden, violent change, and a traumatic birth matches both of these definitions. There are many forms [...]
If there’s one thing I know about pudendal neuralgia, it’s that it comes with a certain amount of obligatory “pudendal neuralgia panic”. Pudendal neuralgia panic is the distressing feeling that arises when you, as a person recently diagnosed with pudendal neuralgia, Google it and read about the sufferings of others with pudendal neuralgia. Suddenly [...]
Acidic bowels…you’d be surprised how often patients use this expression with me in clinic. They are usually talking about how some bowel motions feel painful or unpleasant, describing it as a feeling of “acidic bowels”. I learn a lot about how to help people from their symptom descriptions…but when it comes to [...]
Have you taken a moment recently to stop and really be proud of your pelvic floor? Have you truly appreciated what it manages for you? The pelvic floor is being pummeled by increases in intra-abdominal pressure all day, and not just if you’re a hayfever sufferer and constantly coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose. [...]
It can sometimes feel like hard work feeling happy about your body in vaginismus. Not being able to accommodate your partner’s penis so you can both enjoy intercourse can be frustrating and disappointing. Attempting sex becomes a chore, and sometimes emotionally traumatic. Feelings of contentment about your body are often nowhere in sight. When [...]
You’ve all seen it – the mile-long supplement list your patient brings in. Who knows what all those pills do, or if they need them? If your patient has musculoskeletal pain, curcumin is usually there. Does it work? Do they need it? Do they know something you don’t? You don’t want them being taken [...]
Being a clinician working in persistent pelvic pain (PPP) you’re working with the whole person. Arguably even more than when you specialise in elbows or necks. Persistent pain is complicated, and when it involves the pelvis, it seems to involve even more layers. We can’t understand a woman’s pelvic pain without knowing about her [...]
Pelvic pain in endometriosis: you might have period pain, pain with sex, pain with bowel motions, or just plain pain with no clear trigger. People don’t understand how bad you can feel. You might go through stages of feeling okay, and being able to do some stuff. And then the pain really hits you [...]
Beyond its critical roles in brain function and heart health, estrogen keeps your vulva and vagina happy. Specifically, it helps vaginal lubrication, vaginal immune health and bladder and urethral health. Low estrogen can contribute to all kinds of genital problems. There are at least five reasons why your doctor might recommend you try using [...]
A tour of the vulva may sound like a strange concept. But many women (and men) have a few gaps in their knowledge as far as the vulva goes. This video might help. (It's ok if you don't know what the vulva is. It's the area downstairs, the area between your legs. Where your vagina [...]
