There is Level 1 evidence (recommendation A) that pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) should be first line treatment for Urinary Incontinence (UI) and Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) in women. This high evidence base is only true in a clinical setting if PFMT is performed correctly and effectively.

Patient centered care is gaining momentum in the literature due to its positive impact on improving clinical outcomes, adherence and patient satisfaction. Characterised by considering the patient as a person, patient centred care utilises a biopsychosocial perspective, sharing power and responsibility and developing a strong therapeutic alliance1.

Almost one-third of men with prostate cancer will experience some form of psychological distress across the different stages of the disease and throughout the treatment spectrum.

We see people with a range of pelvic health issues that impact those born with male genitalia and reproductive, urinary and ano-rectal anatomy. International Men’s Health Week 2022 aimed to increase awareness of mental health issues. A staggering 1 in 8 Australian men experience depression and 1 in 5 experience anxiety at some stage in their lives.

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is defined as a complaint of involuntary loss of urine upon effort or physical exertion (eg, sport) or on sneezing and coughing and is often attributed to Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction (PFMD). More and more, we are seeing that SUI as a major cause of reduced performance in female athletes. Why is this happening and how can we treat it?

Overactive bladder (OAB) is an idiopathic symptom-complex defined by urinary urgency (often with frequency, nocturia and incontinence) that appears to encompass multiple different underlying mechanisms. Despite support for behavioural therapy as first line treatment for OAB, the literature doesn’t address the specific impact of the cognitive aspect of bladder training. We need a better understanding of the rationale of bladder training and specifically develop urgency management strategies that are more effective in those presenting with a central component to their symptoms.

Shan, Leonie, Jane and Kathryn attended the ICS conference in October, which was held virtually this year. Associate Professor Helena Frawley, the original founder of Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy was on the scientific committee and contributed to bringing together a stimulating program. There were so many fascinating and inspiring workshops and presentations (which we watched bleary eyed very early in the morning or late at night!). We have included some of our favourite ‘pearls’ from the conference below.

Recently, there has been an explosion of research into endometriosis associated pain and the influence of central mechanisms in the pain experience. Endometriosis-associated pain syndrome (EAP) is defined as “chronic or recurrent pelvic pain in patients with laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis”, and the term is used when the symptoms persist despite adequate endometriosis treatment.

Traditionally, high impact exercise (including heavy weight lifting and running) has been discouraged in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). There is little research to support this, however, expert opinion hypothesised that high impact exercise results in significant increases in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). This pressure may contribute to worsening POP symptoms by weakening the pelvic floor structures. This is a logical and reasonable assumption, however, is it correct?