Women’s & Men’s Pelvic Health
The NHS estimates that between 3 and 6 million people in the UK have some degree of urinary incontinence. Studies suggest that in the UK “major faecal incontinence” affects 1.4% of the general population over 40 years old and constipation affects between 3% and 15% of the population.
Since qualifying in 2003 I have had a special interest in women’s health. This was sparked from having worked within a busy gynaecological ward as a nurse practitioner from 1994 to 2013. I believe this background had enabled me to have a greater understanding of various demands and stresses placed upon the body during pregnancy, post-natal through to menopause and urogynaecology surgery recover.
As a Women’ and Men’s pelvic floor health specialist, with over 15 years of experience, working closely with urogynaecology, colorectal, urology consultants and other experience health care professional. I aim to deliver an evidence based, holistic, individualised physiotherapy assessment and treatments in a friendly and supportive manner.
Upon completion of my tailored initially assessment, a clinical diagnosis can be confirmed. Based on these findings an individualised treatment/management plan can be agreed upon in conjunction with the client, with the goal being to resolve the original presenting problems and prevent reoccurrence in the long term.
Personally: I am married and have one son. I love to swim and am a runner, having completed a couple of the London marathons. I also teach pilates in my spare time. I work full time within the NHS as a clinical women’s and men’s pelvic floor health physiotherapist.
Potential Pelvic floor dysfunctions
- Painful intercourse/dyspareunia
- Prolapse- pelvic organ- bladder, bowel, uterus/womb or vault
- Birthing injuries- 3rd and 4th degree tears
- Vaginismus
- Coccyx pain
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty inserting or keep a tampon in place
- Difficulty having a smear
- Vulvodynia
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Urinary urge incontinence
- Mixed urinary incontinence
- Poor flatus control/Wind
- Bowel/faecal incontinence
- Difficulties emptying you bladder or bowel
- Increased wiping or prolonged defaecation
If you are unsure as to whether a Pelvic Floor Health assessment is the best approach and treatment options for you a telephone consultation can be arranged, free of charge.
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the unintentional passing of urine. It’s a common problem thought to affect millions of people. There are several types of urinary incontinence, including stress, urge, mixed, functional and overflow. Nearly half of all women over the age of 50 will be affected.
- Conservative treatments, which do not involve medicines or surgery, are tried first. These include:
- Lifestyle changes, including weight loss https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/bmi-calculator/
- Pelvic floor muscle training (Kegel exercises)
- Bladder training
Useful resources
squeezyapp.co.uk
baus.org.uk
Nice guidelines
Bladder and bowel foundation
Bowel
Normal bowel emptying can occur up to three times per day to three times per week. Type 3 to 5 on the Bristol chart.
Optimal Position-
Potential issues: Straining, incomplete emptying, excessive wiping, smearing, bowel incontinence, urgency or poor wind control can be due to poor pelvic floor function, including pelvic dyssynergia
Ante natal & post-natal assessment
Ante natal- 1:1 individualised assessment and physiotherapy treatment plan, providing guidance on posture, safe exercise throughout pregnancy, pelvic floor and position for delivery.
Post-natal assessment, this is suitable for all mothers, irrespective to the type of delivery- C section to 4th degree tear. Following my 1:1 assessment, a program that is individualised, functional and non-time consuming will be devised. Thus enabling you to get back doing the things you want without fear or embarrassment.
POGP leaflets
RCOG | PELVIC GIRLDE PARTNERSHIP
Masic.org.uk
(supporting mother following 3rd and 4th degree injuries)
Prolapse
Refers to the womb, bladder, bowel or rectum descending into the vagina. It can be described as “something coming down”, vaginal bulge or golf ball , heaviness in the vagina or a sensation of “an ill-fitting tampon” 1 in 3 women are affected. Severity of the prolapse can vary, with some mild causing very little or no bother to severe and impacting on quality of life, intimate relationship, bladder and bowel function.
The pelvic floor helps to support these organs.
POGP- Pelvic Organ Prolapse- a guide for women
NICE Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women: management
RCOG- patient information Gynaecology/ post-operative recovery
Sexual dysfunction
Pain, fear, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor muscle tightness or old scars can be a source for sexual dysfunction.
Useful resources
Pelvicphysiotherapy
www.vulvalpainsociety
www.endometrosis-uk.org
squeezyapp.co.uk
For appointments and enquiries
or call: 01277 654404 / 07814 351857