Women and men experiencing pelvic pain often suffer in silence. Dr Jane Chalmers is an expert on pelvic pain and hopes we can open the conversation and raise awareness.
Jane and I chat about the causes of pelvic pain, interventions and treatment options, and we delve into an area she is passionate about – women’s health.
Our discussion encompasses; endometriosis, vulvodynia, period pain, the pelvic floor, the importance of Kegel exercises with a few examples, and Krumping (I had no idea what that was either!)
To end on a positive note, Jane and I discuss the female orgasm.
SOME MEDICAL TERMS USED
Endometriosis – a condition in which bits of the tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grow in other parts of the body. Like the uterine lining, this tissue builds up and sheds in response to monthly hormonal cycles. However, there is no natural outlet for the blood discarded from these implants. Instead, it falls onto surrounding organs, causing swelling and inflammation.
Laparoscopy – examination of the interior of the abdomen using a laparoscope (a type of endoscope).
Prostatitis – inflammation of the prostate gland.
Vulvodynia – chronic pain of the vulva, the external or visible region of the female genitalia, in the absence of vulvar or vaginal infection or skin disease.
LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST
- Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia: https://www.pelvicpain.org.au/?v=ef10366317f4
- Endometriosis Australia: https://www.endometriosisaustralia.org
- EndoActive: https://endoactive.org.au
