Pelvic health issues affect over 75% of Australian women and over 10% of Australian men, yet many do not seek treatment. A study by Pitts et al. highlighted the prevalence of pelvic pain in Australian women aged 16-49. In this study:
- 71% reported dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
- 14% experienced dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
- 21% suffered from other chronic pelvic pain
Only 23% of women reported no pelvic pain at all, and less than a third sought treatment for their pain. The study also found that chronic pelvic pain was linked to sexual difficulties and complications with pregnancy and its outcomes.
Common Pelvic Health Issues
In addition to pelvic pain, there are several common pelvic health complaints that many people experience:
Urinary Disorders
Urinary issues such as urgency, incontinence, and incomplete emptying or flow disorders are common. Urinary incontinence, for instance, affects up to:
- 50% of Australian women
- 10% of Australian men
Contrary to popular belief, urinary incontinence is not just an issue for older adults. In fact, half of Australian women experiencing incontinence are under the age of 50.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)
Another common pelvic health condition is pelvic organ prolapse (POP), affecting 9% of Australian women. Symptoms of POP include:
- Pain or heaviness in the pelvic area
- A bulge in or out of the vagina
- Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels
- Low back pain
- Sexual problems
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
How Osteopathy Can Help Pelvic Pain
Now that we understand how common pelvic health issues are, let’s explore how osteopathy can help. Osteopaths take a holistic approach to managing pelvic health, considering the whole person rather than focusing only on the pelvic floor muscles. This whole-body approach addresses the biopsychosocial factors influencing the patient’s condition.
From an osteopathic treatment perspective, it is crucial to treat the entire body. Research shows that seemingly unrelated factors, such as foot mechanics, jaw alignment, and breathing dysfunction, may influence pelvic health conditions.
A Personalised and Comfortable Approach
We understand that pelvic health issues can be a sensitive topic for many patients. Our pelvic health osteopaths provide a personalised approach, offering both internal and external assessments and techniques. Patient comfort and consent are our top priorities, and we offer a variety of external treatment options for those uncomfortable with internal examinations.
In addition to physical assessments and treatments, our osteopaths can provide lifestyle advice, review bladder diaries, and refer to other healthcare providers when necessary.
Take Control of Your Pelvic Health Today
If you are one of the many Australians dealing with pelvic health issues, there is no need to suffer in silence. Book an appointment with our pelvic health osteopaths today and take the first step toward a healthier tomorrow.
References:
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Incontinence in Australia. Canberra: AIHW; 2013.
- Pitts MK, Ferris JA, Smith AM, Shelley JM, Richters J. Prevalence and correlates of pelvic pain in Australian women. Med J Aust. 2008;189(3):138-43.
- MacLennan AH, Taylor AW, Wilson DH, Wilson D. The prevalence of pelvic floor disorders and their relationship to gender, age, parity, and mode of delivery. BJOG. 2000;107:1460-1470.