Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition affecting 8-16% of women at some point in their lives(1). People with vulvodynia experience pain, burning or discomfort in the vulval area, which can include the inner and outer labia (lips) of the vagina, the clitoris, the opening of the vagina and its glands, the opening of the urethra, and the pubic area. Vulvodynia is the most common cause of painful sex prior to pre-menopause(1) and has a profound impact on the quality of life of those impacted.

No one wants to experience bladder or bowel incontinence, rushing to the toilet or difficulties emptying, prolapse, pelvic pain or pain with sex. Unfortunately, these issues are common across all genders and substantially impact physical, emotional, social and financial health and wellbeing. There is often associated stigma, leading to people suffering in silence, thinking it is normal or that nothing can be done to help.

In Australia, over 7.2 million Australians are affected by urinary leakage or incontinence – 2.4 million men and 4.8 million women. That’s a staggering 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men having difficulty controlling their bladder.

Waking overnight to urinate, also known as nocturia, can be annoying and frustrating, resulting in you feeling tired and unrefreshed. Many people assume urinating overnight is a normal part of ageing, but this isn’t necessarily true. Nocturia may be a sign of other underlying health problems.

Every day, we speak with people who seek our support regarding painful sex. Often their stories include fear, confusion and a poor understanding of the vulva, clitoris and vagina. Many people hold unhelpful beliefs and perceptions of what is and isn’t normal.

What Is Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PPGP)? PPGP is pain in the buttock area or sacro-iliac joints (SIJs), the area of the back where the spine joins the pelvis and/or the pubic symphysis (where the pubic bones join together at the front). Sometimes the pain may also be felt in the back of the thigh. People with PPGP often have pain and difficulties with standing, walking, sitting and changing positions (eg rolling over in bed, getting up from a chair). It can have a significant impact on quality of life, ability to work throughout pregnancy and can cause substantial disability.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition affecting up to 10-20% of men & women, affecting people of all ages, with most over the age of 40. It is under diagnosed and under treated because people incorrectly assume it is an inevitable part of ageing or nothing can be done to help.

Everything we do is programmed and recorded by the brain in unique patterns involving millions of brain and nerve cells, which function like a map. These maps start to develop from the moment we are born and explain some of the processes involved when we learn how to walk, run, or any new activity that becomes second nature.

As pelvic health physiotherapists treating people with sexual pain and supporting them to improve their sexual health, we are often asked what lubricants we use for examinations and what we recommend for personal use.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. Each year, over 24,000 men are diagnosed, where most men are over the age of 50. Chances are, most people will know, or know someone who knows someone who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.