Women’s Pelvic Health 

Did you know that up to 1 in 5 women are affected by pelvic pain at some point in their lifetime? Pelvic pain is not just limited to the perineum (saddle area) but also in the groin, abdomen, coccyx or lower back.

Many women suffer from not only pain, but pelvic floor dysfunction including leaking, prolapse or painful intercourse. Whist these complaints are common they are not frequently discussed and often suffered in silence. 

Some of the symptoms of a dysfunctional pelvic floor could include:

-Some leaking of urine with coughing or sneezing

-Constipation or haemorrhoids

-Lower back, hip or pelvic pain that gets worse throughout the day

-Urgency to urinate (e.g. when putting the key in the door)

-Waking up multiple times overnight to urinate

-Pain during intimacy or difficulty putting in a tampon

-A feeling or heaviness or a bulge in your vagina 

-Frequent urinary tract infections

Osteopathy from a Women’s Health practitioner can provide holistic treatment, education, and support for these complaints to help women regain a sense of confidence and quality of life.  Our Osteopath Dr Melissa Arnts has completed additional training in the assessment and treatment of pelvic floor issues and pelvic pain. Assessment utilises both a holistic ‘whole’ body approach whilst also looking specifically at the function of the pelvic floor muscles with an internal or external assessment.

Whilst internal assessment is a useful option to accurately identify the strength and tone or ‘stiffness’ of the pelvic floor, it is by no means the only method of assessing and treating this area. Melissa will discuss with you this process extensively beforehand and together a decision can be made on what care is most appropriate for you. 

Pregnancy and the Pelvic Floor

In pregnancy there is a vast array of mechanical, postural, and hormonal changes which can increase the load on joints as well as put excess pressure on connective tissues in the pelvis and lower back. Throughout this time Melissa can use a variety of treatment approaches to help the pregnant body adapt to these changes throughout the trimesters as well as prepare confidently for labour and birth. Melissa is passionate about education throughout this period and will ensure that her patients have all the resources necessary to feel informed and empowered.

Following birth, recovery is paramount and quite often the mother is overlooked amongst the joy (and stress) of the newest addition. Melissa can assess the recovery of the pelvic floor with a ‘6-week check’ and help the transition back into movement and exercise. In addition, post-partum scar management (from tears, episiotomies, or caesarean birth) and coccyx pain can be addressed to help reduce adhesions and pain. 

Menopause and the Pelvic Floor

Reduced oestrogen levels can cause bothersome symptoms in more than 50% of women resulting in an adverse quality of life, social activity, and sexual relationships. The term genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) includes conditions of the vagina, external genitalia, pelvic floor issues, urinary tract, sexual dysfunction, and loss of libido.

These important hormonal changes will cause a decrease in collagen and connective tissue in pelvic floor. Consequently, the pelvic floor muscles are less elastic and resistant to forces (e.g from coughing and bearing down). The tissues within these pelvic organs can also become dry and fragile from a reduced lubrication resulting in pain and discomfort.

Melissa can work with you to develop an individualised management plan to help minimise your symptoms and optimise your long-term pelvic health.  

Melissa is very passionate about pelvic health; however, she understands that this is a sensitive area and will take the upmost care to make sure you feel comfortable, informed, and supported throughout your time at Seaview Health Group.