Pelvic Health Resource Round-Up November & December

Explore top pelvic health resources that made the news in November & December 2024.

A Closer Look At Incidental MRI Findings

Hear what researchers from Frontiers in Medicine have to say about high occurrences of incidental MRI findings in patients with endometriosis. Find out what these common findings are and the impact of this research on diagnosing this prevalent patient population.

The study included 303 patients who participated in MRI scans, and resulted in several incidental findings, including mature ovarian teratomas and hydronephrosis.

Must-Know Facts on Endometriosis 

This new article from the Yale School of Medicine shares 5 essential facts about endometriosis and outlines criteria for deciding when to consult an expert. Hugh Taylor, MD, Anita O’Keeffe Young Professor and Chair, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, a world-renowned expert on the disease, shares the top 5 things to know about this common condition:

1. Endometriosis is underrecognized and underdiagnosed.

2. Endometriosis is a systemic disease.

3. Endometriosis can be treated in an incremental fashion.

4. Endometriosis no longer needs to be diagnosed with surgery.

5. Endometriosis likely plays a role in half of infertility cases.

Addressing Pelvic and Vulvovaginal Pain Among Medical Trainees

Sarah Ponce, MD/MPH candidate at Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California highlights the importance of addressing pelvic and vulvovaginal pain among medical trainees in this recap from the 2024 Sexual Medicine Society of North America Fall Scientific Meeting. Key findings include:

• Nearly 50% of medical trainees surveyed reported experiencing functionally limiting pelvic and vulvovaginal pain, affecting their focus and productivity, particularly worsening with each year of medical training.

• The study underscores the need for better education about these conditions in medical training, as most respondents found their current education inadequate.

• Barriers to seeking care included healthcare costs, stigma, and a lack of knowledge about these conditions, highlighting a need for more supportive environments and advocacy within the medical community.

Review Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer Risk

Did you know that there’s a strong link between endometriosis and the risk of ovarian cancer?

Researchers at the University of Utah, led by Dr. Karen Schliep, discovered that the risk of ovarian cancer likely depends on the endometriosis subtype. The study highlighted that those with endometriosis have more than 4 times higher risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to those without endometriosis. 

The Blind Spot: Addressing Pelvic Pain in Men

1 in ten men will experience some form of pelvic or testicular pain, one study reveals. Hear how experts like Dr. Johnny Boylan, a genitourinary consultant from Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, empower thousands of men to seek help for this condition.  

Closing the Gender Pain Gap

Marie Claire Australia explores strategies to close the gender pain gap, and explores the dangers of vaginismus and possible causes of the gender pain gap phenomenon. This article highlights the call for improved medical training, awareness, and research in women’s health. 

Between the Lines: Pelvic Floor Yoga vs General Physical Conditioning

Which is better: pelvic floor yoga or general physical conditioning? A study reviewed in Urology Times found that a 12-week pelvic floor yoga program for ambulatory middle-aged and older women with urinary incontinence was not superior to a general physical conditioning program in reducing urinary incontinence. The study found minimal differences between the two groups, indicating that low-impact muscle conditioning exercise may offer similar outcomes to pelvic floor yoga.

Mind Over Matter: (Still) Unpacking the Pain Gap

Many women have reported being misdiagnosed when dealing with public and private healthcare systems, usually due to a misunderstanding on the part of their physician. Read more about the report from an inquiry in Victoria, and what officials are doing to improve women’s healthcare. 

Starting Early with Pelvic Health

Early education is key to empowering young women for a lifetime of well-being. Here are a few ways that pelvic health education is equipping girls to manage their life-long health, according to pelvic health experts:

• Education for young female athletes on common conditions

• Raising awareness on pelvic floor screening preferences

• Highlighting treatments for SUI and POP

• SRC Restore compression garments

[Podcast] The Silent Threat, Hernias

Surgeon and hernia specialist Shirin Towfigh covers the dangers of hernias, why this issue is often overlooked in the media and the risk of undiagnosed hernias in women. 

Connecticut Native Speaks Out

Hear how a Connecticut teenager, Angelo Rossi, is breaking barriers in her hometown and starting the conversation on pelvic pain for many young women like herself.  In this episode from New Hampshire Public Radio, pelvic health activists plan to address endometriosis with new legislation aimed at improving diagnosis and treatment options.

Know the Signs: When It’s Time for An Expert 

This article from mindbodygreen outlines 5 signs that you may need to seek professional help for your pelvic floor:

• Urinary Incontinence: If you experience leaking when you cough, sneeze, or engage in physical activity, it may be a sign of a weakened pelvic floor.

• Lower Back Pain: Chronic lower back pain can sometimes be linked to a dysfunctional pelvic floor.

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Feelings of heaviness or bulging in the pelvic area might indicate a pelvic organ prolapse, where pelvic organs press against or move into the vaginal canal.

• Bowel Disorders: Issues like constipation or uncontrollable bowel movements can be related to pelvic floor disorders.