Menopause & Pelvic Health For Women

World Menopause Day is held every year on the 18th October. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of menopause and the support options available for improving health and well-being.

This year we've collaborated with Phillipa Butler from Precizion Ltd by Phillipa Butler, and she has shared sound health information and advice to help you take your health into your own hands.

How does Menopause affect pelvic health?

The hormone oestrogen plays a part in maintaining a healthy genitourinary system. As the oestrogen levels decline around menopause the tissues of the vulva, vagina and urethra can become thinner and more fragile. The pelvic floor muscles become weaker and slower to react and other tissues like fascia offer less support to the pelvic organs.

More than 50% of postmenopausal women will suffer genitourinary symptoms including:

• Vaginal dryness
• Frequent urination
• Urinary incontinence
• Urgency of urination
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Discomfort or bleeding with intercourse

The symptoms will vary in severity, and it is possible to experience more than one symptom at once. This Assessment Tool can be used to help you to decide when to seek assistance from a doctor or a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist (also called Women’s Health Physiotherapist)

Vulvovaginal Symptom Questionnaire (Erekson EA et al 2013)

Please Note

If you experience any of the following potentially serious symptoms, it would be wise to seek immediate medical attention.

• Flow blockage or pain when urinating
• Blood in urine
• Frequent and intense need to urinate
• Burning feeling when urinating
• The inability to empty or control the bladder
• Pressure or pain in the pelvic region
• Unusual or abnormal Vaginal bleeding after menopause.
• A persistent change in bowel habit sometimes with abdominal pain

In the first video, Philipa talks about the relationship between Menopause and the decline of the pelvic floor muscles.  In the second video,  Philipa guides us through some exercises to activate and keep your pelvic floor engaged.

Read the full article on: https://www.id-direct.com/blog/menopause-and-pelvic-health-for-women/

Wondering who Phillipa is and what she does? Read her introduction here: https://www.id-direct.com/blog/meet-phillipa-butler/

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