We see many peri and post-menopausal women experiencing bladder problems and painful sex, but there are many more bothersome symptoms. Kath Tsebelis is a Physiotherapist, Pilates & Fitness instructor, Nutritionist and Certified Menopause Coach.

Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition affecting 8-16% of women at some point in their lives(1). People with vulvodynia experience pain, burning or discomfort in the vulval area, which can include the inner and outer labia (lips) of the vagina, the clitoris, the opening of the vagina and its glands, the opening of the urethra, and the pubic area. Vulvodynia is the most common cause of painful sex prior to pre-menopause(1) and has a profound impact on the quality of life of those impacted.

Every day, we speak with people who seek our support regarding painful sex. Often their stories include fear, confusion and a poor understanding of the vulva, clitoris and vagina. Many people hold unhelpful beliefs and perceptions of what is and isn’t normal.

Everything we do is programmed and recorded by the brain in unique patterns involving millions of brain and nerve cells, which function like a map. These maps start to develop from the moment we are born and explain some of the processes involved when we learn how to walk, run, or any new activity that becomes second nature.

As pelvic health physiotherapists treating people with sexual pain and supporting them to improve their sexual health, we are often asked what lubricants we use for examinations and what we recommend for personal use.

When faced with a prostate cancer diagnosis, men are also confronted with a possibility of experiencing erectile dysfunction as a side effect of their treatment. Whether it be following prostate cancer surgery, radiotherapy or hormone treatment, this has a significant impact on the quality of life experienced after treatment.

It may appear a little strange to write a blog about breathing, when it is something that we do 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and have been doing so consciously and subconsciously since we were born! However, just because breathing is automatic, it doesn’t mean that we do it effectively! Many people hold their breath without realising, they breathe into their upper chest only, or they don’t breathe in and out all the way. Being more aware of your breath and optimising the way you breathe can have a profound impact not only on your pelvic health, but your health in general.

This article is a personal story written by one of our patients (she/her) who asked if she could share her journey with Endometriosis and reflect on her experience engaging with one of our Pelvic Health Physiotherapists over the last 18 months. Her honest and powerful story will touch your heart.

In 2013 I gave birth to my first child who was delivered via forceps after a long labour. At the time I needed a blood transfusion and I was told I had sustained a 3rd degree tear. It was another 16 months before I was diagnosed with a bilateral levator avulsion and subsequent prolapses. As a first-time mother, I didn’t identify as having birth trauma. I didn’t even realise birth trauma was a thing.

Persistent Pelvic Pain Syndrome (PPPS) is a debilitating condition that has a huge negative impact on men’s physical, emotional and social health and wellbeing. It is more common than you think, with a study reporting 8% of Australian men identify as having pelvic pain. It is particularly distressing as many of the things men take for granted – sitting, walking, exercising, urinating, defaecating, sexual arousal and ejaculation - can cause crippling, agonising pain.