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Marnie

Urinary incontinence

A Comprehensive Approach to SUI Prevention

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Female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common yet often unspoken concern that affects a significant number of women worldwide. SUI refers to the involuntary leakage of urine during activities that exert pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. While this condition can be challenging, it’s crucial for women to understand that there are various solutions available to help manage and prevent bladder leaks. The Silence …

A Comprehensive Approach to SUI Prevention Read More »

Chelea Anjeski

The Impacts of Breast Cancer on Pelvic Health

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By Chelsea Anjeski Pelvic Health Physical Therapist  According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and, currently, there are 4 million women with a history of breast cancer. These are staggering statistics and demonstrate how prevalent breast cancer is within our society. Many of us know or have known someone who has had breast cancer …

The Impacts of Breast Cancer on Pelvic Health Read More »

Pelvic Pain Coach

Your Pelvic Pain Flare Plan

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By Rachel Gofman Pelvic Health Physical Therapist & Pelvic Pain Coach Oh no, not again. ⁠You feel those symptoms start to creep back in.⁠ ⁠At first, it feels like a whisper. But the longer you pay attention to it, the louder it gets.⁠ ⁠You feel your stomach sink. How long will it last this time? How bad is it going to get? Do I have to start cancelling plans now? …

Your Pelvic Pain Flare Plan Read More »

Paige Genova

Pelvic Pain: Beyond Diaphragmatic Breathing

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By Paige Genova Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist, PRT Therapist  Now, don’t get me wrong. I love teaching my patients diaphragmatic breathing as a tool to help stimulate their vagus nerve and “downtrain” their nervous system. However, it is just a small piece of a bigger puzzle when it comes to pelvic pain treatment interventions. For a subgroup of people dealing with pelvic pain, they have what is called “Neuroplastic Pain.” …

Pelvic Pain: Beyond Diaphragmatic Breathing Read More »

Nisha Patel

Why We Lengthen Before We Strengthen

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By Nisha Patel Pelvic Health Physiotherapist The piece of advice that my clients find most surprising in my practice revolves around a fundamental principle: before we strengthen your pelvic floor, we focus on lengthening it. In fact, strengthening might not even be necessary in certain cases.  Allow me to explain. Pelvic floor muscles function much like any other muscles in our bodies; there’s a delicate balance between their length and …

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Ingrid Williams

Optimizing Men’s Health: Movember, Mustaches, and the Power of Pelvic Health

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By Ingrid Williams PT, DPT, WCS November brings with it the crisp fall air, the vibrant hue of changing leaves and, the emergence of moustaches on men’s faces! This facial hair phenomenon is not merely a quirky trend; it’s the heart of Movember, a movement that began in 2003 with two Australian men and has since grown into a global initiative. In celebration of the 20-year anniversary of “changing the …

Optimizing Men’s Health: Movember, Mustaches, and the Power of Pelvic Health Read More »

Bacteria

Debunking UTIs: Your Friendly Guide to Prevention

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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are like uninvited guests at a never-ending party – persistent, uncomfortable, and oh-so-common. It’s a health woe that’s not often talked about openly, and even though UTIs are a widespread issue, it seems we’re still missing the memo on how to deal with them effectively as a community. Like so many health issues, the key to managing UTIs largely lies in preventing them. Simply put, an …

Debunking UTIs: Your Friendly Guide to Prevention Read More »

Callie Krajcir

The Ultimate Guide to IC Flare Management

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By Callie Krajcir Registered Dietititan, IC Warrior  Whether you’ve had interstitial cystitis for weeks or years, then I’m sure you’re familiar with flare-ups of your symptoms. If you’re not, we’ll talk about that too in this post. I’m first going to define what a “flare” is, then I will reveal the two major types of IC flares, and finally I’ll dive into the various causes of flares and how to …

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Milli Dilator

A Comprehensive Guide to Vaginal Dilators

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Living with vaginal pelvic floor issues can be a challenging journey, often affecting your physical and emotional well-being. However, there are various tools and techniques available to help manage vaginal muscle tightening and improve your quality of life. One such invaluable tool is vaginal dilators. In this blog post, we will explore what vaginal dilators are, the different types available, and how to use them effectively to regain comfort and …

A Comprehensive Guide to Vaginal Dilators Read More »

LIA Pelvic Health

My Journey With Vestibulodynia as a Patient and Clinician

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By Jillian Giannini PT, DPT  Have you heard of Vulvodynia, Vaginismus, or Vestibulodynia? Well, in this blog, I’m going to focus on Vestibulodynia. I’m especially passionate about it because of my own personal journey experiencing it. It is key to understand this so that someone with this condition can find the right specialist and best possible treatment. I’ve seen many patients come to our sessions with the diagnosis of Vaginismus …

My Journey With Vestibulodynia as a Patient and Clinician Read More »

Julie Blacker

How Pelvic Devices Can Improve Sexual Health & Reduce Pain and Incontinence

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By Julie Blacker Pelvic Health OT, MS Ed If you are experiencing pelvic pain and/or incontinence, impacting sexual health and participation, you are not alone. When it comes to pelvic pain, sexual health, and incontinence issues, many individuals suffer in silence, unaware that effective solutions are readily available. A myriad of pelvic devices have emerged as transformative tools that can alleviate pain and tackle incontinence concerns, while also enhancing sexual …

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Christine Klein

Perimenopause, Menopause and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

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By Christine Klein PT, DPT, WCS, CPT, PCES As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I see so many women in their 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and beyond with pelvic floor problems like urinary leakage, bothersome urinary urgency and frequency, pelvic organ prolapse, vaginal/pelvic pain and pain with sex.  All of these symptoms can be attributed to hormone level changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. I love being able to educate my …

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Benedicte Siva

The Untapped Magic of your Breath

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By Bénédicte Siva Prolapse Health & Lifestyle Coach, Mother & POP Warrior When you are diagnosed with prolapse, one of the first things you hear you should do is to reduce the pressure coming from above ie: avoiding any unnecessary pressure on your pelvic floor like bloating, constipation, coughing, sneezing, etc. While nutrition plays a big part in managing the pressure inside to avoid bloating or constipation, learning how to …

The Untapped Magic of your Breath Read More »

Alexis Brooks Nutrition

An Integrative Approach to Managing PCOS

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By Alexis Brooks Pelvic Health Dietitian Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a complex hormonal disorder that affects 1 in 10 women, can impact many aspects of a woman’s health and quality of life. From irregular periods to insulin resistance, digestive issues, and fatigue, those who live with PCOS may experience great discomfort regularly. Unfortunately, when many sufferers approach their providers with their concerns they are often dismissed. This may look like …

An Integrative Approach to Managing PCOS Read More »

Dr. Sadie Allison

Sensual Intimacy Without Penetration — 6 Activities to Try Tonight

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By Dr. Sadie Allison Sexologist It’s a common misconception that sex has to involve penetration. Finding alternative ways of exploring pleasure with your partner can deepen your emotional connection and help you experience new avenues of sexual arousal and satisfaction. Non-penetrative sex (otherwise known as outercourse), can be particularly beneficial for women who often don’t orgasm during intercourse. According to the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, about 80% of …

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Jessica Drummond

What is Endo Belly?

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By Dr. Jessica Drummond DCN, CNS, PT Author of Outsmart Endometriosis One of the most frustrating challenges that those with endometriosis face is how to relieve the chronic bloating known as “Endo Belly.” Over the years, my practice has seen thousands of endometriosis warriors struggling with this, and we have developed an integrative protocol for relieving this common symptom of endometriosis, the bloat, for good. Before we get into the steps …

What is Endo Belly? Read More »

Julie Sarton

Painful Sex Can Go Away: Here’s What You Need to Know

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By Julie Sarton PT, DPT, WCS   Scope of the Problem Painful sex is more common than you think. Studies indicate anywhere from 25-60% of women will experience sexual pain at some point in their life. (Trahan 2019). Painful sex (also known as Dyspareunia) can cut across the entire lifespan. In fact, 9/10 women will experience pain the first time they have sex after baby. 45% of women experience pain 3 …

Painful Sex Can Go Away: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More »

Pelvic Health Support

PCOS

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Research shows that people with PCOS show evidence of all-over inflammation. Emphasizing non-starchy vegetables and fruits, lean protein, and healthy carbohydrates can help people with PCOS get healthier and prevent complications.

Pelvic Health Support

Menopause

Recommended Supplements / By

Purchase Supplements BLACK COHOSH Benefits May reduce the frequency of vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes/night sweats) Supporting Research Black cohosh extracts in women with menopausal symptoms: an updated pairwise meta-analysis calcium Benefits Helps reduce bone loss and fractures Adequate vitamin D status, defined as 30 mL or more of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (usually achieved with a daily oral intake of at least 400 to 600 IU), is required to achieve the …

Menopause Read More »

Lady Parts

Lady Parts: A Dramedy Film about Vaginal and Vulvar Health

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By Bonnie Gross (Writer, Producer, Vulvodynia & Vaginismus Warrior) & Nancy Boyd (Director, Vaginismus Warrior) For Bonnie Gross & Nancy Boyd, a trip to the gynaecologist was like a horror movie, so they teamed together to make a story about vaginal pain with a “happy ending.” Lady Parts is a dramedy feature film where a young woman’s sex life becomes a family affair when she has to undergo a vulvar …

Lady Parts: A Dramedy Film about Vaginal and Vulvar Health Read More »

Jess Seitz

The Unseen and Unacknowledged World of Vaginismus

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By Jess Seitz OTR/L, Vaginismus Warrior For many women who face vaginismus, the challenges they encounter go far beyond their pelvic floor response. There is an unseen and often unacknowledged impact of vaginismus on the body, mind, and soul that can leave a woman feeling defeated beyond her understanding. Many women who experience vaginismus are high-functioning women who can often tackle many of life’s challenges with a good strategy and …

The Unseen and Unacknowledged World of Vaginismus Read More »

Ritual Pelvic Health

Understanding Vaginismus: A Deep Dive into Pelvic Health

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By Cait Van Damm Occupational Therapist, Pelvic Pain Specialist The Misunderstood Vagina There’s a cultural narrative about what constitutes an “ideal” vagina, which is both pervasive and problematic. The subtle insinuations of this “ideal” were prevalent as I grew up. It was shocking for me to discover, as a pelvic floor therapist, that some women were given an extra, unnecessary stitch post-childbirth. This stitch is colloquially termed the “husband stitch.” …

Understanding Vaginismus: A Deep Dive into Pelvic Health Read More »

kyle hartman

Empowering Intimacy: The Impact of Combining Pelvic Physical Therapy & Sex Counseling for Sexual Dysfunction

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By Kyle Hartman PT, DPT Sexual intimacy is a crucial aspect of human relationships, contributing to our emotional connection with ourself and others, our physical health, and our overall well being. Unbeknownst to most, sex is considered a basic, physiological human need accord to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. However, many individuals experience sexual dysfunction, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Fortunately, there are two powerful tools that, when …

Empowering Intimacy: The Impact of Combining Pelvic Physical Therapy & Sex Counseling for Sexual Dysfunction Read More »

Aakriti Agrawal

How Somatic Tracking Can Transform Your Chronic Pelvic Pain

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By Dr. Aakriti Agrawal  PT, DPT Living with chronic pelvic pain can be an overwhelming and isolating experience; often feeling as though the pain is controlling every aspect of your life. But there is hope. A transformative technique called somatic tracking has the potential to offer relief and can empower you to take back control of your life. How to Perform Somatic Tracking Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and …

How Somatic Tracking Can Transform Your Chronic Pelvic Pain Read More »

Lainie Givens

Role of OT in Men’s Pelvic Health

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By Lainie Givens OTR/L, CPHS As we attempt to put more of a spotlight on men’s pelvic health, it is important to note different specialists equipped to treat men’s pelvic health issues. Although not as widely acknowledged as physical therapy in the realm of treating pelvic floor dysfunction, occupational therapy is equally—if not greater—proficient to focus on pelvic health, particularly men’s pelvic health. What, you ask, is occupational therapy?  According …

Role of OT in Men’s Pelvic Health Read More »

allison poole

Power of Perimenopause: Losing the Fear & Embracing THE Change

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By Allison Poole PT, MPT, WHC When I mention to a client “Well, you’re likely in perimenopause…” they often look at me wide-eyed in pure disbelief and horror. Many women are confused by the term perimenopause, many have never even heard of it. They feel too young to be “menopausal” yet they feel like something is shifting because they definitely don’t feel like themselves. Perimenopause is the period of time …

Power of Perimenopause: Losing the Fear & Embracing THE Change Read More »

Carolyn Pridham

Managing Urinary Incontinence During High-Impact Physical Activity

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By Carolyn Pridham Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Urinary incontinence is a common and often manageable condition that affects a significant proportion of adult women. It is estimated that up to 50% of women may experience urinary incontinence at some point in their lives. However, it is important to recognize that the actual rates of incontinence may be even higher, due to women’s hesitancy to openly discuss this issue. The likelihood of …

Managing Urinary Incontinence During High-Impact Physical Activity Read More »

Dana Rosen

Empowering Recovery: 5 Essential Tools for Healing Pelvic Pain

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By Dana Rosen Pelvic Pain Warrior & Coach Pelvic pain affects 1 in 7 individuals born with a uterus at some point in their lives. Because there are so many organs, muscles, ligaments, and fascia all in one place, diagnosing and treating pelvic pain can be extremely complex and interdisciplinary. This often leads to misdiagnosis, incomplete treatment and unnecessary suffering.  In my own battle with pelvic pain, I made many …

Empowering Recovery: 5 Essential Tools for Healing Pelvic Pain Read More »

Vaginismus

Understanding Vaginismus

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By Madhu Thiagarajan Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Have you or your partner ever experienced pain during intercourse or just the thought of intercourse? Has your daughter mentioned that her sexual encounter was very painful or avoids using a tampon due to pain? Are you peri-menopausal or menopausal, and suddenly noticing discomfort with penetration? Or maybe you are avoiding your PAP exam because the speculum is too painful. While it is common …

Understanding Vaginismus Read More »

Dr. Natalie McCulloch

UTIs & Menopause: Understanding the Link and Treatment Options

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By Natalie McCulloch, Naturopathic Doctor Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive life. While menopause comes with several physical and psychological changes, one issue that often goes undiscussed is the increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are bacterial infections that affect the urinary system, and women in their menopausal years are more prone to these infections than any other time in …

UTIs & Menopause: Understanding the Link and Treatment Options Read More »

Keri Martin

Understanding Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

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By Keri Martin Vrbanac, Pelvic PT When we think of the pelvic floor, our most immediate thoughts go the pelvic floor muscles and although they are a VERY important part of our pelvic health, there are several other significantly important parts. We cannot overlook the importance of a sufficient and competent network to provide the blood supply to all parts of the pelvis. The arteries of the pelvis provide oxygenated blood …

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Samina Qureshi

10 Tips to Avoid Feeling Bloated & Gassy

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By Samina Qureshi Gut Health Registered Dietitian Do you struggle with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and find it difficult to meet your fiber needs? If so, you’re not alone. Many people with IBS experience uncomfortable digestive symptoms, particularly when consuming high-fiber foods. But fear not! There are ways to reduce gas and bloating when eating such foods. Before we dive into the tips, let’s talk about why fiber is so …

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Lauren Fleming

A Journey of Resilience Post Prolapse Diagnosis

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By Lauren Fleming Mother, Person with Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Founder Hem Support Wear I learned about pelvic organ prolapse (POP) for the first time after having my first baby. She was born in May 2020, shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic started, and a few weeks later I started having a feeling in my vagina that I had not felt before. (I did not know how to explain it at the …

A Journey of Resilience Post Prolapse Diagnosis Read More »

Leslie Weidner

Should You Eat Soy in Perimenopause?

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By Leslie Weidner Registered Dietitian, Perimenopause Nutrition Coach Soy foods have become quite controversial on whether or not to consume them during midlife. Perimenopause is a transitional and often confusing time for women, and making it even more confusing is all of the misinformation circulating online when it comes to nutrition. Many women have been told to avoid soy because of its estrogenic effects on the body, particularly for those …

Should You Eat Soy in Perimenopause? Read More »

Aliya Dhalla

Why Your Breath Is So Important For Pelvic Health

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By Aliya Dhalla Pelvic Health PT, Educator & Coach A recent study of over 25,000 women revealed that 32% of them experienced at least one pelvic floor disorder. Issues like incontinence, strong urges, and prolapse are so very common yet people feel lost, blind-sided, and confused when they experience them for the first time.  As a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist, I hear this all the time in my clinic and in …

Why Your Breath Is So Important For Pelvic Health Read More »

Claire Delcambre

Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder & Your Pelvic Floor

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By Claire Delcambre Pelvic Health PT What is Hypermobility? Are you exceptionally “bendy” or “double jointed”? Can you touch your toes with ease, or do a back bend in a yoga class without a thought? Maybe you grew up dancing, and achieving your splits was easier for you than for some of your less-flexible peers. People who have hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) tend to be exceptionally good at the physical …

Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder & Your Pelvic Floor Read More »

Ciara Scott

Do You Have The Right Pelvic Health Practitioner? 10 Questions To Ask Yourself

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By Ciara Scott Pelvic Health PT When it comes to choosing a doctor, everyone wants a good fit. But finding someone you like and trust can be hard – like, really hard! It can be even harder to find a doc that you can trust with your very personal, and often very complex, pelvic health issues. Issues like sexual dysfunctions, bladder and bowel dysfunctions, and pelvic pain are some of …

Do You Have The Right Pelvic Health Practitioner? 10 Questions To Ask Yourself Read More »

Amy Stein

What is CBD and Why Do I Need It?

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By Amy Stein Pelvic Floor Specialist Author of Heal Pelvic Pain, Beating Endo Believe the hype. CBD isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. After the Farm Bill was passed in 2018 which removed hemp from being a class 1 drug like weed, sales of CBD products grew an astounding 706% in 2019 compared to 2018. Some projections show CBD product sales to reach $23.7 billion by 2023, and that’s …

What is CBD and Why Do I Need It? Read More »

Dr. Curtis Nickel

Dr. Curtis Nickel Interview Recap: IC/BPS treatment

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Very rarely do we find ourselves in a position to speak on the topic of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) with a clinician that has over 625 publications, whose research spans several decades, and has positively contributed to the understanding of these common and challenging syndromes impacting the lives of so many people. Last week, Marnie Glavin, the founder of Pelvic Health Support, interviewed Dr. Curtis Nickel, Professor Emeritus, regarding …

Dr. Curtis Nickel Interview Recap: IC/BPS treatment Read More »

Keri Gerlach

Diastasis Recti and Your Pelvic Floor

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By Keri Gerlach Pelvic Health Kinesiologist Did you know that your gap and/or “doming” could be related to your pelvic floor? IRD (Inter-Recti Distance) a.k.a gap and “doming” or bulging along the LA (Linea Alba) has less to do with strong abs than it has to do with with how you manage pressure or IAP (Intra-Abdominal Pressure).  For some, it could be under-recruitment of your pelvic floor and deep core …

Diastasis Recti and Your Pelvic Floor Read More »

Angelique Montano-Bresolin

The Lowdown on Vulvar Moisturization

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By Angelique Montano-Bresolin Pelvic Health Physiotherapist If you’ve ever heard someone mention that they were using something to moisturize their lady lips, you would probably be thinking, ‘Say What???’ Yes ladies, vulvar moisturization can be a game changer for many individuals who struggle with dryness ‘down there’. In this blog, I’ll take you on a quick ride to help you explore the option of vulvar moisturization – what it is, …

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Annie Close

Recognizing Constipation in your Kids and Action Steps to Resolve It

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By Annie Close MSOT, OTR/L Did you know that your child could be pooping every day and still be constipated? If this is new information to you, you are not alone. Many parents are shocked to learn that their child is constipated, even with frequent bowel movements. When it comes to constipation, the consistency of bowel movements is just as important as the frequency of them. If your child experiences …

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Dr. Curtis Nickel

Dr. Curtis Nickel’s Clinical Recipes for Success in Managing IC/BPS

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What Is Interstitial Cystitis and Bladder Pain Syndrome? Interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as bladder pain syndrome (BPS), is a chronic condition that affects the bladder and surrounding tissues. It is characterized by recurring episodes of pelvic pain, discomfort, and pressure in the bladder and urinary tract, and can cause a frequent and urgent need to urinate. Although the exact cause of IC/BPS is not fully understood, it is believed …

Dr. Curtis Nickel’s Clinical Recipes for Success in Managing IC/BPS Read More »

MyUTI

Understanding the Link between Biofilms and UTIs

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By Megan Henken, Co-founder MyUTI Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common issue for women, and they can be particularly troublesome during perimenopause and menopause. Changes in the urinary tract during this time can make women more susceptible to recurrent UTIs. Two factors that can contribute to this are biofilms and hormonal changes. Biofilms are slimy, protective coatings that bacteria can create on surfaces, including those within the urinary tract. …

Understanding the Link between Biofilms and UTIs Read More »

Vivian Zhang

Understanding the Conversation Between Your Brain, Gut, and Microbiome

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By Dr. Vivian Zhang PT, DPT Have you ever had a gut feeling or butterflies in your stomach? Such experiences demonstrate the connection between your belly and your brain. The communication between your brain, your gut, and the microorganisms living in your gut is referred to as the brain-gut-microbiome axis. Understanding the communication pathways between the brain, gut, and microbiome is essential to optimization of health and well-being. In this …

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Jayme Barr

Mindfulness for Chronic Pelvic Pain

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By Jayme Barr  Women’s Health PT Living with any type of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) can be debilitating. You may feel no one believes your pain is real. You may have a wide range of symptoms that make you feel isolated including urinary, bowel, or sexual dysfunction, and emotional distress. Your CPP may have a name like pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, or interstitial cystitis. Maybe there is …

Mindfulness for Chronic Pelvic Pain Read More »

Core Restore with Jeanette

Posture & Your Pelvic Floor

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By Jeanette Brown Core/Pelvic Floor Specialist When dealing with pelvic floor issues, we only focus on the area where we’re feeling the discomfort. Did you know how you stand, move and sit has a huge impact on your pelvic floor and its ability to function properly? Poor posture leads to lower back pain, weakness in the core, and stress incontinence; this means leaking a few drops when you laugh, cough …

Posture & Your Pelvic Floor Read More »

Melanie Llanes

Using PT to Reduce Breeched Position

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By Melanie Llanes Pelvic Health Physiotherapist In the US, approximately 7% of babies are in the breeched position in the third trimester with almost 94% of those babies delivered via cesarean section. This is due to the increased risk of mortality for the baby if vaginally delivered in a mal position. This is such an important fact and I always try and help moms mentally process unplanned cesareans because many …

Using PT to Reduce Breeched Position Read More »

Dr. Kim Bretz

Helpful Diet Tips for Constipation

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By Dr. Kim Bretz, Naturopath You know those people…they have a perfect bowel movement at the same time of day. Every single day. They feel like magical unicorns, viewed with wonder, and often envy. How does that happen? And how do the other 1 in 4 people suffering with chronic constipation become one of those magical unicorns? There are a lot of reasons for being constipated and having healthier bowel …

Helpful Diet Tips for Constipation Read More »

Pelvic Pain Coach

How I Healed My Chronic Pelvic Pain Using A Mind-Body Approach

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By Rachel Gofman Pelvic Pain Coach & Pelvic Health Physical Therapist About 7 years ago, my life was turned upside down when I developed chronic pelvic pain. It came on suddenly. When the pain first started, I did what everyone does when they have a new onset of pain, I went to the doctor to get checked out. I expected that doctor would tell me what was wrong, give me …

How I Healed My Chronic Pelvic Pain Using A Mind-Body Approach Read More »

Julie Blamphin

Yoga in Real Life: How To Practice Pelvic Floor Awareness During Your Daily Activities

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By Julie Blamphin Certified Pelvic Floor Yoga Instructor If you’re anything like me, you do NOT need anything more to add to your To Do List. Most days, it seems I’m teetering between a productive bad*ss boss and an anxious hot mess. I typically fall asleep wondering, “Where the heck did the day go…and why does my body feel tight as a drum?”  But, to be honest – I’m okay …

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Rebecca Slape

It Takes a Village: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Pelvic Health

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By Rebecca Slape Pelvic Health Physical Therapist I’m sure many of you have already tried several methods to address your pelvic floor concerns. You may have started with your primary care provider, been sent to a specialist (urologist or gastroenterologist), trialed several medications or procedures, tried pelvic floor physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, or massage, and are on the cusp of giving up. While you have seen a variety of practitioners, …

It Takes a Village: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Pelvic Health Read More »

Julia Rosenthal

5 Ways Strength Training Benefits your Pelvic Health

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By Julia Rosenthal Pelvic Health Physical Therapist People suffering from pelvic pain are often told to avoid strength training to help alleviate a wide range of symptoms like pelvic pain, prolapse, incontinence, constipation and more. This messaging fosters an increased fear of movement, sense of disability, and overall decrease in a person’s ability to navigate their environment. Being able to load our bodies is an essential part of daily life. …

5 Ways Strength Training Benefits your Pelvic Health Read More »

Pessary Box

My Journey with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

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By Janet Burts, Founder Pessary Box The journey of the Pessary Box began the day I was diagnosed with Pelvic Organ Prolapse. It involved both a Cystocele and a Rectocele which involved incontinence.  I felt a roller coaster of emotions.  It was decided, medically, I was not a candidate for surgical correction, and was told that I would be fitted for a pessary.  I was given a list of don’t …

My Journey with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Read More »

LSSN

Join the Lichen Sclerosus (W)holistic Healing Summit May 8-13

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This May, more than 1,000 individuals worldwide will gather virtually to participate in the (W)holistic Healing Summit. Hosted by the Lichen Sclerosus Support Network (LSSN), the summit offers multiple evidence-based interactive sessions for a whole-body approach to help you live with vulvar Lichen Sclerosus and will cover topics such as Lichen Sclerosus, sexual health, pelvic pain, and mental health. The summit is open to everyone, with various donation levels offering …

Join the Lichen Sclerosus (W)holistic Healing Summit May 8-13 Read More »

Heather Florio

Interstitial Cystitis: A CEO’s Journey to Relief

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By Heather Florio, CEO Desert Harvest Frequent urination. Constant urgency. Ongoing bladder pain. Never-ending inflammation. Feeling like you have a chronic urinary tract infection (UTI) that never goes away, ever.  This is an interview with Heather Florio, CEO of Desert Harvest, discussing her journey with IC symptoms, what life was like before finding out she had IC and her exploration from diagnosis to the maintenance of this condition. What is …

Interstitial Cystitis: A CEO’s Journey to Relief Read More »

Iron-deficiency

The Link between Heavy Menstrual Bleeding & Low Iron

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Got period problems? Trust us, you’re not the only one. Nearly 25% of all women experience heavy bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, during their menstrual cycle.  While a heavy flow comes with a world of complications — from cramps to blood clots — it can also put you at risk for developing iron deficiency anemia. Why? Because you’re losing a lot of blood. And if your iron levels can’t keep …

The Link between Heavy Menstrual Bleeding & Low Iron Read More »

Allea Francis

Pelvic Floor Therapy for Vaginismus: The Key To Unlocking Pain-Free Intimacy

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By Allea Francis Pelvic Floor Specialist What is Vaginismus? Vaginismus is a condition that causes involuntary muscle contractions of the pelvic floor muscles surrounding the vaginal canal. This pelvic floor muscle dysfunction (PFMD) can impact one’s ability to enjoy intimacy, handle gynaecological exams, and/or tampon use by causing pain and/or discomfort in the vulva and vaginal region and within the pelvic floor muscles.  As reported by Healthy Women in 2021, …

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Below the Belt

Endometriosis Fundraiser: Exclusive Film Screening & Expert Panel Discussion

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About: Below The Belt follows several women battling endometriosis, shedding light on a diagnosis that affects a significant population of women worldwide– yet still lacks awareness. There will be a post-screening expert panel discussion followed by a raffle. Food and drinks will be served. When: Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 7 PM Where: Little Field NYC (635 Sackett St, Brooklyn, NY) *All proceeds will be donated to the Endometriosis Foundation …

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PelvicSense

Your Way out of Chronic Pelvic Pain

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By Evelyn Hecht Master Clinician of Pelvic Physiotherapy, Certified Chronic Pain Rehab Practitioner What causes chronic pain/distress? If you’ve ruled out a major medical cause(s) and test results are normal, why do you feel ongoing pain or related pelvic distress symptoms? The main reason is the nervous and immune systems have become too sensitive, and the brain behaves like a hyper-vigilant helicopter parent. Scientists call this ‘central sensitization.’ Our nervous …

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Grecia Alaniz

Push Prep & Physiotherapy

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By Grecia Alaniz Pelvic Health Physiotherapist You may be surprised to hear that physiotherapy has a role to play in your preparation for birth. Most of us will be familiar with childbirth education and prenatal yoga classes as the pillars of preparation for expecting mothers. These classes are extremely beneficial, but the pelvic floor is usually overlooked. The pelvic floor undergoes immense strain during birth, but far too often it’s …

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Dr. Bronwyn Hill

The Opportunity of Perimenopause

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By Dr. Bronwyn Hill Naturopathic Doctor, NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner I met with a 42 year old woman yesterday who came to me for help with her “hormonal hot mess” as she put it. Periods coming too soon, sometimes later. Heavier bleeding. More intense PMS symptoms including insomnia, night sweats, and breast tenderness. Fatigue and brain fog. Non-existent sex drive. Persistent bloating and stubborn weight she just cannot lose despite …

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OAB medications

The side effects of OAB medication and how they impact patient compliance

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By Utiva Health If you suffer from overactive bladder (OAB), medication might be a possible solution. There’s just one problem: about 78% of people who start taking OAB drugs stop taking them within the first year. Why? There are many reasons, but frustrating side effects and lackluster results take the cake.  What is overactive bladder?  OAB is a group of urinary symptoms, NOT a disease. About 30% of men and …

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Dr. Whiteman

Celebrating Women in Science: An Insightful Interview with Dr. Whiteman

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We just marked International Day of Women and Girls in Science so let’s acknowledge the significant contributions of women in the field of science and technology. Here we interview Dr. Whiteman, the founder of BioMoi™.  She discusses her journey as a woman in science and the importance of women’s health. In addition to discussing the importance of women’s representation in science, Dr. Whiteman also touches upon the critical role that women’s …

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Elevated Pelvic Products

Let’s Talk about Pelvic Pain

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By Lexi Burtman Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Most of us have basic knowledge of what to do when we get a sore throat, headache or back pain, yet we often don’t know what to do when we experience pelvic pain. First, we need to understand what pelvic pain is and how to describe it. Vaginal burning, pelvic discomfort while sitting, and pain with penetration all result in a general diagnosis …

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Susie Gronski

3 Tips to Reduce Erectile Worry and Enjoy Sex

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By Susie Gronski Pelvic Physiotherapist & Rehab Practitioner, AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator and Counselor  Sexual performance worry and anxiety negatively impacts male sexual function by inhibiting sexual arousal, sexual desire, and sexual functioning. The brain is the biggest “sex organ” and understanding this essential connection is key to harnessing sexual fulfillment and satisfaction. According to the World Health Organization, sexual health is defined as “a state of physical, emotional, mental …

3 Tips to Reduce Erectile Worry and Enjoy Sex Read More »

Angelique Montano-Bresolin

Menopause Doesn’t Have to be a Mystery

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By Angelique Montano-Bresolin Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Menopause is a natural part of the aging process for women, marked by the end of menstrual periods and the end of fertility. It is typically defined as occurring 12 months after a woman’s last menstrual period, and it is diagnosed retrospectively. According to the North American Menopause Society, the average age for menopause is 51 years, although it can occur anytime between the …

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Michiko Caringal

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy and Sexual Rehabilitation: Pre/Post-Gender Affirmation Surgery

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By Michiko Caringal MScPT, MHsc in Bioethics, Registered Physiotherapist In Canada, transgender and gender diverse people continue to face barriers to healthcare due to discrimination when seeking safe care. Research illustrates that health care professionals sometimes refuse to provide treatment or don’t have the training or knowledge to treat a transgender person’s health condition, or folx have difficulty getting a referral to a specialist. There are deficiencies in the physiotherapy …

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Alyssa Chavez

Endometriosis and Digestive Issues: What’s the Connection?

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By Alyssa Chavez Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Endo Warrior When we think of endometriosis, digestive issues may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But the truth is that endometriosis and digestive issues go hand in hand. Endometriosis is often thought to be a women’s reproductive issue. So why then do so many women also experience IBS-type symptoms like diarrhea and constipation, extreme bloating (aka “endo belly”), and pain …

Endometriosis and Digestive Issues: What’s the Connection? Read More »

Lindsay Dorka

Overcoming Pelvic Pain with a Mind-Body Approach

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By Lindsay Dorka  Pelvic Floor Therapist & Pelvic Pain Coach If you’re struggling with chronic pelvic pain, you’re not alone! Millions of people are diagnosed with chronic pelvic pain every year. Many of these people have found minimal relief or have to engage in consistent practices to “keep their pain at bay” – things like stretching, muscle release, chiropractic care, massages, medication or supplement use, injections, and more. But what …

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Samina Qureshi

4 Non-Diet IBS Relief Tips

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By Samina Qureshi Gut Health Registered Dietitian Did you know that there are a variety of things that can irritate your gut when you struggle with IBS? Your lifestyle, the food you consume, stress, activity levels, and the medications or supplements you take can trigger your IBS flares. It’s not all about the low FODMAP diet or restricting your favorite foods long-term! Find out how to gain relief from IBS …

4 Non-Diet IBS Relief Tips Read More »

ibbyomole

The Gut Bladder Connection

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By Ibby Omole Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine What is IC/BPS? Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS) is a painful bladder condition that affects approximately 3-8 million women in the United States and between 300-800,000 women in Canada. IC affects women of all ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages and stages of reproductive development. It is a condition that develops gradually and can worsen over time. One study showed that approximately 21% of …

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urinary urgency techniques

Calming the Urge: Using the Contract-Relax Technique to Help with Urinary Urgency

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By Shelly Prosko PT, Yoga therapist, Pioneer of PhysioYoga  One of the most uncomfortable (and often debilitating) experiences in life is when you frequently have uncontrollable and sudden urges to urinate throughout your day, even after you’ve just emptied your bladder within the past hour or two. We call this urinary urgency. There may be many different reasons why you are experiencing these intense and often unbearable (sometimes even painful) urges. …

Calming the Urge: Using the Contract-Relax Technique to Help with Urinary Urgency Read More »

Pooja Patel

Pelvic Health Hot Takes

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By Pooja Patel and Nisha Patel Pelvic Health Physiotherapists   What if we told you that you regularly talk about your pelvic floor without realizing you are? We all have that group of muscles within our pelvis that support us daily with an array of functions. As pelvic health therapists we hear people exchanging information about their pelvic health all the time! The topic of pelvic health shows up when …

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Leslie Weidner

Improving Your Gut Health in Perimenopause

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By Leslie Weidner Registered Dietitian  Are you experiencing uncomfortable digestive symptoms in perimenopause? You’re not alone! The estrobolome is a collection of bacteria in the gut that is also involved in estrogen metabolism. As our estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate wildly during perimenopause, the estrobolome takes a direct hit. Food passes through the digestive system more slowly. IBS-like symptoms such as gas, bloating, constipation, and indigestion may happen as a …

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Ingrid Harm-Ernandes

Solving the Musculoskeletal Mystery

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By Ingrid Harm-Ernandes Author, PT (Board Certified Women’s Health & Pelvic Floor Biofeedback) “I had no idea!” I have heard this from patients, doctors, nurses, physician assistants and others. Whenever a patient, medical practitioner or course attendee has spent an hour with me, they are amazed at how the pelvic musculoskeletal system is involved in pelvic conditions. In addition, they are astounded that there is actually something they can do …

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Callie Krajcir

Why You Shouldn’t Follow The IC Diet Long-Term

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By Callie Krajcir Registered Dietititan, IC Warrior  I vividly remember sitting in my urogynecologist’s office years ago and being told that I should “cut out” items from my diet such as coffee, alcohol, citrus, chocolate, and artificial sweeteners, amongst many other things. My doctor told me, “this is the IC diet, and you might find some relief following it”. I thought, So I have to remove all of my favourite …

Why You Shouldn’t Follow The IC Diet Long-Term Read More »

erectile dysfunction

Reducing Penile Atrophy with Vacuum Therapy

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Erectile dysfunction and the resulting penile atrophy, which is the loss of tissue length and girth–it’s a topic nobody likes to talk about, but shouldn’t be ignored for many reasons. When penile function inevitably begins to decline, it has a profound effect on a man’s mental health, relationship, and overall wellbeing. Erectile Dysfunction affects: 40% of men in their 40s 70% of men in their 70s1 Erectile Dysfunction is caused …

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Lichen Sclerosus

What Everyone with Lichen Sclerosus Needs

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By Dr. Jaclyn Lanthier Founder, The Lost Labia Chronicles Lichen sclerosus is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that the medical community considers an autoimmune disease. While it can affect the extragenital skin (e.g., abdomen, chest), it primarily affects the genitals (i.e., the vulva, the perianal area, and the penis). Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) can cause symptoms like itch and pain. It can cause the skin or areas of the genital …

What Everyone with Lichen Sclerosus Needs Read More »

Aisling Lanigan

Male Factor Fertility 101

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By Dr. Aisling Lanigan, ND Fertility is often thought of as a women’s issue. As a Naturopathic Doctor with a focus on fertility, I can count on one hand how many times I have seen a male partner before a female partner over the past 10 years.  At Flourish, we frequently need to convince our female patients to have their partners’ semen tested. Women are going for lab work on …

Male Factor Fertility 101 Read More »

Jessica Drummond

The Endometriosis Diet: Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid

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By Dr. Jessica Drummond DCN, CNS, PT, NBC-HWC Author of Outsmart Endometriosis As a nutritionist with a specialty in endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain, one of the most common questions I am asked is, “What is the best endometriosis diet?” That’s a great question, but the answer is not so simple. It depends. The best diet for someone with endometriosis is a diet that supports their immune, digestive, and neurologic systems, …

The Endometriosis Diet: Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid Read More »

Dr. Kara Dionisio

Exploring Hormone and Non-Hormone Treatments for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

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By Dr. Kara Dionisio Naturopathic Doctor & North American Menopause Society Certified Practitioner I’ll never forget the day my patient told me her vagina had “gone Gobi”. I wasn’t quite sure what she meant until she clarified, “Dr. Kara, like the Gobi Desert!”. She went on to explain how dry and uncomfortable it was “down there”, and how much it was impacting her life.  I was glad she told me …

Exploring Hormone and Non-Hormone Treatments for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Read More »

Posture ReEducation

Posture ReEducation

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By Trista Zinn Founder, Coreset Fitness Director & Owner, Hypopressives Canada Correcting ones posture has a significant impact on all things related to our respiratory function, core and pelvic health. We can’t talk about posture without mentioning our core. The relationship between our core and posture is complex, but with a little guidance you can start to see and feel the difference.   Our ‘core’ is responsible for posture, and …

Posture ReEducation Read More »

Lichen Sclerosus

Menopause or Lichen Sclerosus?

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By Stephanie Hrehirchuk  Naturopathic Doctor & North American Menopause Society Certified Practitioner “There’s no way every woman in menopause feels this pain.” I tried to get my point across to my doctor without becoming a difficult patient. “Having sex feels like broken glass!” Looking back, I wish I had been a more difficult patient. I’d accepted the pat on the head and the menopause diagnosis and then continued to watch my vulva, …

Menopause or Lichen Sclerosus? Read More »

Chronic pelvic pain

7 Unique Self-Care Tools For Women Living With Chronic Pelvic Pain

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By Sarah Elspeth IC Warrior, Psychotherapist, Nutrition and Health Coach I get it; chronic pelvic pain sucks. I’ve been living with chronic pelvic pain for three years and it took me a long time to find the proper methods for pain management.  After much trial and error, I can confidently share with you the tools I have found to be most helpful in my chronic pelvic pain management. 1. Sitz …

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Recurrent UTI facts

4 Surprising Facts About Recurrent UTI

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By Melissa Kramer Founder, Live UTI Free Despite how common recurrent UTI is, there is still much that is not understood about the bladder, its microbiome and the immune system response.  There are some exciting new developments in this area of research. So before jumping into the 4 facts that everyone should know about recurrent UTI, let’s look at the new developments. New Developments For Recurrent UTI Many people with …

4 Surprising Facts About Recurrent UTI Read More »

Jill Mueller

Pelvic Physiotherapy for Endometriosis: 5 Reasons One Should be on Your Team

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By Jill Mueller Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Have you heard of Pelvic Physiotherapy; or if you have, did you think it was just for women who need to strengthen their pelvic floor?  Well, I’m here to let you know that Pelvic Physiotherapists do more than teach kegels; and if you do have endometriosis you should have one on your team! Before we dive into how Pelvic Physiotherapy can help, let’s have …

Pelvic Physiotherapy for Endometriosis: 5 Reasons One Should be on Your Team Read More »

Lara Desrosiers

The Role of Mindfulness in Pelvic Organ Prolapse Recovery

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By Lara Desrosiers Occupational Therapist One major challenge that often comes alongside the Pelvic Organ Prolapse experience is something that I like to call the “POP Hijack”. This describes the many ways that prolapse sensations, activities to manage or control prolapse, rules about moving to “stay safe”, and worry/distress related to prolapse can hijack our attention, our energy and consequently our lives. Some symptoms of the POP Hijack include: Distraction …

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Lichen Sclerosus

Understanding Lichen Sclerosus

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By Dr. Jaclyn Lanthier Founder, The Lost Labia Chronicles “You have lost the majority of your labia minora”, my doctor said to me casually.  I lost my…what? Yes, you read that right. That day, when my doctor told me about my lost labia, I was diagnosed with lichen sclerosus. I had no idea what that meant. Unfortunately, vulvovaginal and pelvic health conditions are rarely, if ever, discussed in sex education. …

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Trauma Pelvic Pain

Addressing the Trauma in Persistent Pelvic Pain

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By Kathleen Pratt MSW, RSW, Trauma Sensitive Yoga Instructor Pelvic pain and trauma. Three words that typically aren’t used together. However, the more I delve into and think about the topic of pelvic pain, the more I am convinced that we need to be aware of its connection with trauma. Why? So those with pelvic pain can feel understood and treated in a sensitive way, and so those who care for and …

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Recurrent UTIs

Helpful Tips to Prevent Recurrent UTIs

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By Utiva Health What is more annoying than a UTI? You guessed it, a cycle of recurring UTIs. As many as 40% of women who have one UTI will get another.  If you have persistent symptoms of urinary tract infections, it’s very important to see your doctor for a urine culture who can prescribe the appropriate treatment, which is usually a course of antibiotics. Left untreated, an infection can lead …

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Core Restore with Jeanette

How Breathing Impacts Your Pelvic Floor

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By Jeanette Brown Core/Pelvic Floor Specialist If you suffer from bladder urgency, leaking or pelvic organ prolapse, you can immediately implement some simple, time-saving strategies to help your pelvic floor. As women, large companies target us into believing that it’s normal for our bladders to leak and provide us with the solution of purchasing their absorbent pads and underwear. These are not a solution to the root cause of the …

How Breathing Impacts Your Pelvic Floor Read More »

bellies inc.

Abdominal Wrapping for Postpartum Healing

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By Samantha Garcia Gagnon CEO, bellies inc. Postpartum abdominal wrapping, more commonly referred to as belly wrapping, is a practice that many pregnant people are curious about but wonder why it may be beneficial for postpartum healing and how to choose the right wrap to use.  Let’s start with why belly wrapping is beneficial for postpartum healing. Think about someone who has sprained their ankle for example. Using a wrap …

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Treating Incontinence

Types of Incontinence (Yes, there are more than one!)

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By Brittney Legere Corelife Wellness After years of silence around pelvic floor health, the stigma is slowly but surely being erased. Finally, women who experience leakage or “peeing a little” have materials to educate themselves and they’re learning that incontinence is common, but not normal. The first step to building an appropriate and effective treatment plan is understanding the nuances of your individual issue. Now, let’s talk about the major …

Types of Incontinence (Yes, there are more than one!) Read More »

Julie Blamphin

Cultivate Joy to Shed Light on Your Shame: A Story of Yoga and Laughter

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By Julie Blamphin Certified Pelvic Floor Yoga Teacher and Laughter Yoga Leader “Don’t make me laugh, I’m going to pee my pants!” Have you ever said or heard anyone say that? Maybe you’re out with your girlfriends, someone says it, you all giggle, then you change the subject. In that moment, you may feel embarrassment or even shame. Leakage is no laughing matter, am I right? The majority of the …

Cultivate Joy to Shed Light on Your Shame: A Story of Yoga and Laughter Read More »

carolyn vandyken

Taking a Biopsychosocial Approach: Does it Matter?

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By Carolyn Vandyken Pelvic PT, Educator, Author There are two camps in treating pain: Tissue-based Camp of Treatment   Providers treat the tissues alone believing that there must be something bio-medically wrong with the tissues; if they can only mobilize, zap or anesthetize the right tissues, they will be able to change the pain. When the right tissues cannot be found to achieve this goal, these practitioners then medicate people …

Taking a Biopsychosocial Approach: Does it Matter? Read More »

meditation for chronic pain

How Meditation Can Help Relieve Chronic Pelvic Pain

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By Sarah Elspeth Psychotherapist, Nutrition and Health Coach, Yoga Instructor Pelvic pain is debilitating and relentless, often dramatically affecting one’s quality of life.  Treatment of this challenging illness is complicated, and health professionals’ understanding is limited. Interestingly, it can often be linked to other pain disorders including but not limited to IBS, PCOS or Fibromyalgia. It can also occur due to a significant emotional or physical trauma. When considering treatment options, …

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cough with confidence

Learn to Cough with Confidence

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By Lara Desrosiers, MSc. OT Reg. (Ont.) Lara’s Top 4 Coughing Tips When you are dealing with leaking, pelvic organ prolapse or both, bouts of illness that involve a lot of coughing are no fun. One thing that can be helpful to bear in mind is that while your body is giving its attention and resources to fighting off whatever virus is plaguing you, it can feel harder to engage …

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acidic vs alkaline

The Effect of Diet on Urine pH

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By Callie Krajcir Registered Dietititan, IC Warrior  Did you know that the foods and beverages you consume have a direct effect on your bladder symptoms?   The human body is an amazing thing. It has the ability to break down the nutrients in food and use them as energy, building blocks of muscle, for storage and many other functions.   We have two systems in our bodies that break down …

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Constipated

Constipation: What Can We Do About It?

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By Katie Ruebush PT, DPT What is Constipation? Bloating Abdominal pain Rectal pain Pelvic pressure Hard, small stools that require pushing and straining to eliminate If you’ve ever been constipated, these symptoms might sound familiar.  Nothing feels good when you aren’t pooping on a regular basis.  Here’s the deal–constipation can be the root of lots of pelvic health symptoms.  Besides the gross feeling we get when we haven’t pooped for …

Constipation: What Can We Do About It? Read More »

Dr. Ibby Imole

Genomics: A Novel Solution for Chronic Bladder Pain

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By Ibby Omole Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine For ten solid years, I ate foods that negatively affected my health although I believed they were good for me and I was convinced I was doing something great for my body. The kicker was that as a naturopathic doctor, I wasn’t even aware that these foods were having a negative effect on my health. If you are suffering from Interstitial Cystitis, you …

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Intimacy and IC

How To Be Intimate With IC Without Causing a Flare

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By Callie Krajcir Registered Dietitian, IC Warrior  One of the most common things I get asked from IC sufferers is, “How can I reduce the risk of flaring after having sex with my partner?” IC affects many aspects of a person’s daily life. From following a restrictive diet to limiting time away from home, it has many effects on quality of life. Sexual function is one of the biggest aspects …

How To Be Intimate With IC Without Causing a Flare Read More »

Central Sensitization

What Can Happen When a Nervous System Gets TOO Sensitive?

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By Kathleen Pratt, MSW, RSW, Certified Yoga Teacher When we have pain, the tendency is to focus on trying to find out what’s wrong in the tissues. With persistent (chronic) pain lasting more than several months, it can be more helpful to look at what’s going on with the nervous system. The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord and nerves that carry messages back and forth between the …

What Can Happen When a Nervous System Gets TOO Sensitive? Read More »

Keri Vrbanac

Vulvodynia: A Complex Pain Syndrome

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By Keri Marin Vrbanac, Pelvic PT The vulva is the external part of the female genitals, and it is made up of the labia, the clitoris, the vaginal opening, and the urethral opening. Many people refer to the vulva as the vagina…not so! The vagina is a muscular tube that extends from the cervix to the vulva where you will find its entrance. The vulva has a number of functions …

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Stefanie Trowell

Uterine Fibroids: Natural Treatments That Really Work

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By Stefanie Trowell, ND Uterine fibroids are a little different than some other pelvic health concerns. They vary in size, shape, number and location within the uterus. And while they’re incredibly common during a woman’s reproductive years, (some studies say more than 80% of women will develop them by age 50), only a small percentage of the time cause us problems (about 25%). But for those who are affected by …

Uterine Fibroids: Natural Treatments That Really Work Read More »

Callie Krajcir

Expert Tips for Managing IC Flares

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By Callie Krajcir, Registered Dietitian Do you ever go from your bladder feeling happy and healthy to it feeling extremely angry and painful? Do you ever go to bed feeling fine just to wake up in the middle of the night to find yourself unable to leave the toilet due to a crazy urge to pee? We all know from firsthand experience that with IC comes those painful, inconvenient flares …

Expert Tips for Managing IC Flares Read More »

Sinead Dufour

Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain: What does it have to do with the Pelvis?

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By Sinead DuFour, PT, PhD Pain in the pelvic region of the body is common among pregnant women and can be experienced well into the postpartum period.  The traditional thinking that has dominated implicates the hormone relaxin as a key culprit.  Surely the release of a pregnancy-related hormone that has a job to soften ligaments would result in increased motion of the pelvic structures is the reason for the pain, …

Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Girdle Pain: What does it have to do with the Pelvis? Read More »

pop woman

Pelvic Organ Prolapse & Fear

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By Lara Desrosiers, MSc. OT Reg. (Ont.) Let’s make no bones about it. Pelvic Organ Prolapse is often a very scary experience, particularly when it takes us completely by surprise (which it often does!) To make matters worse, there are a ton of messages out there that perpetuate fear of moving our bodies with Pelvic Organ Prolapse. These messages might come from late night Google searches or even from our …

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katie ruebush

Cultivating Pelvic Health

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By Katie Ruebush PT, DPT As both a pelvic physiotherapist and mother of two, I’ve been able to experience pelvic health from both the healthcare professional and patient perspectives.  It is clear that women are the caregivers of the world. We tend to care for others while putting our own needs on hold. We must learn to first fill our own cup before filling the cups of our children, significant …

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Lara Desrosiers

Living Life with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

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By Lara Desrosiers, MSc. OT Reg. (Ont.) A diagnosis of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP), the departure of normal sensation related to the position or felt position of any/all of the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, and rectum) often leaves womxn feeling blindsided, helpless, broken or scared. If a POP diagnosis has rocked you to your core, you are definitely not alone! My name is Lara and I am a womxn with …

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Desert Harvest Aloe Vera

Super-Strength Aloe Vera and Health Canada: What You Need to Know

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By Heather Florio, CEO Desert Harvest Desert Harvest is seeking approval from Health Canada for use of its Super-Strength Aloe Vera Capsules in the treatment of Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS). If approved, this could be a huge step forward in the lives of the many Canadian men and women who suffer from the painful chronic bladder condition. What is Aloe Vera’s Role in Treating IC? Desert Harvest’s Super-Strength …

Super-Strength Aloe Vera and Health Canada: What You Need to Know Read More »

paediatric pelvic health

Littles Have Pelvic Floors Too!

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By Keri Martin Vrbanac, Pelvic PT One of my favourite populations to work with are the littles. I have had some of my most enlightening pelvic floor conversations with people under the age of nine! There are a considerable number of paediatric conditions that can be treated both effectively and efficiently with pelvic floor physiotherapy. What is important to note right from the start is that there is no internal …

Littles Have Pelvic Floors Too! Read More »

Dilators

How Vaginal Dilators Work & What They Do

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By Amanda Olson DPT, PRPC Vaginal dilators, also referred to as trainers, are a helpful tool to train both the body and the brain to tolerate pain free penetration. For vagina owners with scar tissue, adhesions, post-cancer vaginal stenosis, vaginal atrophy and agenesis, the dilators can be used to provide a gentle stretch for improvement in elongation and width of the vaginal canal, as well as improvements in mobility and elasticity …

How Vaginal Dilators Work & What They Do Read More »

physioyoga

All About PhysioYoga

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By Shelly Prosko PT, C-IAYT, CPI What is PhysioYoga? An approach to rehabilitation that combines evidence informed physiotherapy and yoga therapy, resulting in a holistic or biopsychosocial approach to your rehabilitation experience.   Physiotherapy is a well-respected healthcare profession that uses evidence informed treatment methods to help clients restore and maintain optimal movement and function, provide pain rehabilitation and pain care, as well as provide education on health creation, maintenance …

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Trista Zinn

My Personal Prolapse Story: From Discovery to Recovery

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By Trista Zinn, Founder, Coreset Fitness/Director & Owner Hypopressives Canada Please note this is an abridged version of my story. As a personal trainer who specialized in pre/postnatal training and working with older adults, pelvic floor health was commonly mentioned. At the time, I was unaware of the varying stages of incontinence, nor did I know that 40-50% of women in their lifetime would suffer from some form of pelvic …

My Personal Prolapse Story: From Discovery to Recovery Read More »

male pelvic pain

Male Pelvic Pain: The Prostate Gland has been “Framed”

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By Carolyn Vandyken  PT, Educator, Researcher & Author We usually come across Shakespeare’s “What is in a name?” quote when people are trying to explain that names don’t really matter; that all you need to know is what something is, not what it’s named. As it turns out, naming problems have had a significant effect on male pelvic pain and how it is treated.   The most common diagnosis given to …

Male Pelvic Pain: The Prostate Gland has been “Framed” Read More »

toilet meditation

The 6 Stages of Toilet Meditation

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By Shelly Prosko PT, Yoga therapist, Pioneer of PhysioYoga  Mindfulness practices are gaining popularity and even appear to be quite trendy these days. Perhaps it is because we know, and have experienced, that there is tremendous value in being present and mindful throughout our day. We talk about mindfulness during many activities such as driving, walking, exercising, eating, socializing, etc; so why not also be mindful while going to the …

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feeling alone

PFD with Anxiety & Depression? YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

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By Lara Desrosiers, OT I am thrilled that there is a growing amount of attention being brought to the fact that Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (i.e. leaking, pelvic girdle pain, pelvic pain, painful sex, pelvic organ prolapse, even low back pain) is common but NOT normal! Check out Claire Baker’s Tedx Talk to learn more about this! It is a must watch! There are practitioners available, such as Occupational Therapists and …

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Pelvic Health Support

Low-Histamine

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Low Histamine Diet Tips Mast Cell-Derived Histamine Mediates Cystitis Pain Eliminates foods that block the action of the DAO enzyme Helps break down histamine so that it is cleared from your body If this enzyme is blocked by high histamine foods, histamine remains in the body and continues to cause uncomfortable symptoms

Pelvic Health Support

Low FODMAP

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FODMAP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols) Short-chain carbohydrates in the diet help decrease IBS symptoms Oligosaccharides: Fructans and Galacto-Oligosaccharides (GOS) Disaccharides: Lactose Monosaccharides: Fructose Polyols: Sorbitol and Mannitol

Pelvic Health Support

Low-Oxalate

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High oxalate levels from: Foods high in Vitamin C History of digestive diseases Use of antibiotics To reduce high oxalate levels: Avoid eating too much protein Decrease salt intake Get enough calcium Keep hydrated

Pelvic Health Support

Gluten-Free

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There is emerging research pointing to gluten-free diets helping conditions such as Endometriosis Gluten: A protein found in wheat, barley and rye Is in many whole grain foods related to wheat including bulgur, farro, kamut, spelt and triticale (a hybrid of wheat and rye), and can be found in cross-contaminated oats as well *Ingredient lists of all food products should be checked before consuming to ensure they do not contain …

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Pelvic Health Support

Bladder-Friendly

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*Diuretics: Encourage the release of water in the urine Eliminating irritating foods doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. You may find that you can tolerate certain foods in small quantities, or when eaten occasionally. If you do decide to completely eliminate a certain food, you may be able to reintroduce it into your diet at a later time Most of those with sensitive bladders avoid/limit caffeinated drinks and opt …

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