Carmel's Story*

Swimming

Step 1

Carmel discovered what mattered

Carmel (she/her) is a 28-year-old graphic designer referred by her psychologist with multiple interconnected pelvic pain issues for five years. Sexual pain, bladder pain, bowel symptoms, and vulval burning had gradually worsened, leaving her isolated, anxious, and convinced her body was irreparably broken. Her problems started after a severe UTI when she was 23. She experienced burning vulval pain, frequent and painful urges to urinate, painful bowel movements, severe pain during any attempt at sexual activity, and IBS with unpredictable bloating and bowel issues. She'd stopped dating entirely, avoided social situations requiring bathroom access, and felt her entire life revolved around managing pelvic pain. Working together, we discovered that Carmel's initial UTI had triggered a cascade of issues. Her pelvic floor muscles were chronically tense and sore, her pain system and nervous system were highly sensitised and her fear and anxiety were further amplifying her pain. Her IBS was worsening her pelvic floor tension, creating a vicious cycle.

Carmel's Pelvic Health Goals:

  • Understand why everything hurts - I need to know this isn't all in my head.
  • Have a pain-free bowel motion without dreading the toilet.
  • Reduce the constant burning in my vulva so I can wear jeans and sit comfortably.
  • Live my life without bladder worries constantly dictating my decisions.
  • Be able to use a tampon so I can go swimming.
  • Feel excited about dating instead of terrified.
  • Eventually enjoy pain-free and pleasurable sex.
  • Feel like myself again - not like a broken person defined by pain.

Step 2

Carmel restored what mattered

Understanding that her multiple symptoms were connected gave Carmel hope. She committed to a comprehensive approach including pain management education, breathing exercises, mindfulness, and TENS for pain relief. Central to treatment was pelvic floor muscle relaxation training and awareness. We implemented bladder retraining and fluid intake advice. For bowel symptoms, she worked with a gastroenterology dietitian specialising in IBS and the low FODMAP diet. Bowel retraining and learning to relax her pelvic floor during bowel movements were crucial. For sexual and vulval pain, we used gentle touch desensitisation techniques and education about arousal and lubrication. Sleep optimisation and stress management completed her program.

Step 3

Carmel enjoyed what mattered

After 14 months, Carmel achieved a remarkable transformation. The vulval burning resolved, bladder symptoms improved dramatically, and bowel movements were no longer a source of dread. She had joined a recreational swim club, hadn't thought about her bladder for weeks, had started dating and experienced pain-free sex for the first time in five years. She felt empowered and capable of handling pain flare ups on her own. 

* We share these stories to help bring our pathway to life. They’re based on years of experience and thousands of people we’ve supported with various pelvic health conditions. None of these journeys is of one particular patient, though. Instead, each one is an amalgamation of many successful outcomes.

Pelvic Health Matters

New name.
Same exceptional care.

Formerly known as Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy, our new name reflects both what we believe in and what we do. We have an unwavering belief that pelvic health matters for everyone, at every stage of life.

Same phone number: 03 8823 8300
New email: physio@pelvichealth.com.au