Pelvic Health Resource Round-Up September & October

Explore top pelvic health resources that made the news in September and October 2024.

#1 Raise Awareness for Postpartum Pelvic Care

1 in 3 women will experience postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction. New research highlights key changes needed to reduce these numbers drastically. Share these tips with your patients to raise awareness about postpartum pelvic care.

The article includes:

• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD): Common during and after pregnancy, impacting the muscles needed for bladder, uterine, and rectal support.

• Symptoms: Include urinary incontinence, pain during sex, and lower back pain.

• Lack of Diagnosis and Treatment: A significant percentage of women do not receive diagnosis or guidance on managing PFD post-childbirth.

• Pelvic Floor Therapy: Effective in treating PFD with methods like exercises, biofeedback, and muscle training.

• Personal Story: The article features a woman named McKenzie who benefited from pelvic floor therapy during and after pregnancy to manage pain and strengthen muscles.

#2 The Link Between Psychological Assessment and Bladder Pain Syndrome

Read this case report to learn the significance of psychological assessments in the management of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis and vulvodynia:

• Focus on Psychological Assessments: Stresses the importance of psychological evaluations in treating chronic pelvic pain disorders like Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS) and Vulvodynia.

• Case Study Analysis: Discuss a specific case highlighting how integrated care can improve patient outcomes.

• Recommendations for Care: Advocates for a multidisciplinary approach, including mental health support alongside physical treatments.

#3 Speaking with Janel Parrish

Hear how Pretty Little Liars star Janel Parrish is managing her battle with endometriosis diagnosis and surgery.

#4 Recognizing Chronic Pelvic Conditions

Endometriosis is a life-long condition that impacts many women across the globe. New research from the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death claims that endometriosis should qualify as a chronic condition and be treated as seriously as diabetes.

#5 Stretch It Out

Share this step-by-step guide for a breakdown on isolating and stretching the pelvic floor and groin muscles plus a few tips to help your patients get started from the comfort of their own homes.

The method includes:

• Stand upright.

• Position a yoga wheel, approximately 40 cm in diameter and 15 cm in width, behind your back.

• Spread your feet about four feet apart with the yoga wheel centered between them.

• Turn both feet outward.

• Bend your knees and lower your hips.

• Gently sit on the yoga wheel.

• Press your feet into the ground, engaging the calf muscles and the back of your thighs.

• Hold the posture for around 60 seconds, breathing slowly and steadily.

• Slowly straighten your legs to rise back up.

• Repeat the posture three times.

• Stand upright and relax.

#6 Pelvic Floor Dos and Donts

Are these activities negatively impacting your patients' pelvic floor? Check out these simple habits from Gynaecologist Dr Susanna Unsworth that could impact pelvic floor health:

• Stopping Urine Midstream: Previously recommended for pelvic floor testing, this is now advised against as it can cause bladder problems.

• Preemptive Bathroom Visits: Using the toilet 'just in case' can lead to bladder issues by conditioning it to empty at smaller volumes.

• Hovering Over the Toilet: Can stress pelvic floor muscles; sitting is recommended.

• Multitasking While Urinating: Straining or focusing elsewhere can disrupt the balance needed for healthy bladder function.

• Extended Toilet Sitting: Prolonged sitting can weaken pelvic floor muscles; it’s better to stand after finishing.

• Certain Exercises: High-impact or core-heavy workouts can strain the pelvic floor; low-impact activities like yoga are recommended.

#7 The Science Behind Persistent Pain

New research from the University of South Australia reveals that understanding there is a biological explanation for persistent pain—even when we cannot see it—can reframe perspectives of pain and potentially change patient outcomes.

#8 Podcast | Everything You Need to Know About Pelvic Floor Disorders

Carmen Fong, a colorectal surgeon, discusses misconceptions surrounding the critical topic of pelvic floor dysfunction in this engaging podcast episode “Pelvic floor disorders: myths vs. reality”.

• Expert Insight: Colorectal surgeon Carmen Fong discusses pelvic floor dysfunction.

• Misconceptions Addressed: The podcast aims to correct common myths and provide real insights into these conditions.

• Stigma and Treatment: Highlights the stigma attached and emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary treatment approaches.

• Educational Focus: The podcast shares information from Pelvic Floor Symposiums to educate on the complexities of diagnosis and treatment.

#9 Female Runners Take Control of Incontinence

Share these tips to help your patients avoid bladder leaks or get back to running after pregnancy.

The article includes:

• What is your pelvic floor?

• What are the symptoms of a weak pelvic floor?

• The pelvic floor during pregnancy

• Why are pelvic floor exercises important?

• Pelvic floor exercises for women (and men)

#10 Why Patients Need to Prioritize Pelvic Health

This article from CNN Health discusses key reasons why pelvic health should be a health priority for both men and women from Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt- urologist, robotic surgeon with Orlando Health, and former president of the Florida Urological Society. 

The article reviews:

• Common pelvic floor issues

• Causes of pelvic floor issues

• Challenges of childbirth

• Normal vs. abnormal pelvic symptoms

• Why we need to focus on pelvic floor health

• Exercises for the pelvic floor

• Considerations for men

#11 A Closer Look At Acupuncture

Recent research published in General Gynecology offers evidence that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for managing endometriosis-related pain. 

Here’s a summary of the study’s findings:

• Study Details: Analyzed 14 randomized controlled trials comparing acupuncture to other treatments like sham acupuncture and Western medicine.

• Findings: Acupuncture was shown to be effective in reducing pain levels, improving serum CA-125 levels, and reducing pelvic mass volume.

• Mechanisms: Demonstrated benefits through analgesic effects, endocrine regulation, and immune function enhancement.

• Acupoint Focus: Effective acupoint choices included the Ren and Spleen Meridians, critical for menstrual regulation and pain alleviation.

#12 Physicians Manage Overlapping Personal and Professional Relationships

New research from UNBC reveals the impact on rural doctors and their surrounding community as these physicians navigate the complexity of overlapping personal and professional relationships.

#13 Breath In, Bliss Out

Share this 5-minute guided meditation with patients struggling with pelvic floor pain to help them relax. Breathing exercises can significantly help those with pelvic floor discomfort.

#14 Searching For The Pain Gene

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Oxford found that a pain gene carried by women with chronic pelvic pain makes women more likely to respond well to treatments using Neurontin (gabapentin).

• Study Collaboration: Conducted by the University of Edinburgh and Oxford, focusing on chronic pelvic pain.

• Gene Variant: Women with a variant of the Neuregulin 3 gene showed better responses to Neurontin.

• Research Findings: Out of 71 women, 29 responded positively to the treatment.

• Future Research: Plans to expand the study for further validation and to refine treatment approaches for chronic pelvic pain.

#15 Breathing to Improve Pelvic Floor Strength

Share this quick breathing tutorial to help your patients improve their pelvic floor strength.