Women's Health Resources
A resource page on women's pelvic health, common conditions, and endometriosis. For personalised advice, speak with the West Coast Health women's health physio.
Women's pelvic health, explained
Common conditions, common causes, and clear next steps. While these symptoms are common, they are not normal and should not be ignored.
Common Pelvic Health Issues
Common women's pelvic health issues include pelvic floor dysfunction, stress or urgency urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and chronic pelvic pain. These conditions often stem from weakened muscles due to childbirth, aging, or surgery, resulting in symptoms like leaking, heaviness, or pain. Treatments commonly involve pelvic floor physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments.
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Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Muscles can become too weak, tight, or dysfunctional, leading to poor support of pelvic organs.
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Urinary Incontinence (UI)
Involuntary leaking of urine, often triggered by coughing, sneezing, laughing, or running (stress incontinence) or a sudden, urgent need to go.
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Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)
A "bulge" or sensation of heaviness in the vagina caused by pelvic organs (uterus, bladder, or bowel) dropping from their normal position due to weak muscles.
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Fecal / Bowel Incontinence
The inability to control bowel movements or leaking gas.
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Chronic Pelvic Pain
Ongoing discomfort in the pelvic area, which may include conditions like endometriosis or painful bladder syndrome.
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Sexual Dysfunction
Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) or reduced sensation.
Common Causes & Risk Factors
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Childbirth
Vaginal delivery is a major risk factor for weakening pelvic muscles.
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Aging / Menopause
Lower estrogen levels can weaken tissues.
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Chronic Pressure
Constant lifting, chronic cough, or chronic constipation puts strain on the pelvic floor.
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Weight
Being overweight can increase pressure on the pelvis.
When To Seek Care
While common, these symptoms are not normal and should not be ignored. A pelvic health physiotherapist can help with specific exercises to manage or treat these issues.
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Speak to your physio
A pelvic health physiotherapist can provide tailored exercises to manage or treat pelvic health conditions.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common, chronic condition affecting around 10% of reproductive-age women, where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, pain, and potential infertility. Key symptoms include severe menstrual pain, chronic pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and bowel/bladder pain.
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Symptoms - The "Four Ds"
Dysmenorrhea (painful periods), Dyspareunia (painful sex), Dyschezia (painful bowel movements), and Dysuria (painful urination).
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Impact
Causes chronic pelvic pain, severe fatigue, bloating, and infertility. It can cause organs to stick together due to inflammation.
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Diagnosis
Primarily confirmed through laparoscopy (keyhole surgery), though imaging like ultrasound or MRI can help detect cysts.
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Medical Management
Pain medication and hormonal treatments (pill, IUD) to manage symptoms.
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Surgical Management
Surgery to remove endometriotic tissue.
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Specialised Care
Pelvic floor physiotherapy can help address pelvic pain and dysfunction.
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Severe pain is not normal
It is important to know that severe pain is not normal and you should discuss your symptoms with a doctor. The Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia and Endometriosis Australia are also good resources to explore.
Helpful Links
Trusted resources and clinic-based support to keep you moving forward.
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