For many women with pelvic organ prolapse, management starts with understanding the factors that may be contributing to symptoms and addressing these conservatively. This may include: Pelvic floor muscle training Optimising bladder and bowel habits Managing constipation and avoiding excessive straining Learning how to manage pressure through the abdomen during lifting and exercise Modifying activities that significantly aggravate symptoms Gradually building strength, fitness

The good news is that prolapse doesn't always mean surgery. The best treatment depends on the type and severity of your prolapse, your symptoms, your age and stage of life, and your personal goals. Treatment options may include: Pelvic floor muscle training A tailored pelvic floor exercise programme can help improve support, reduce symptoms and improve bladder and bowel function. Not everyone needs to "just do Kegels" as the exercises need to be specific to you and your pelvi

Pelvic organ prolapse is incredibly common, particularly after pregnancy, childbirth and during perimenopause and menopause. However, many women aren't sure whether their symptoms are normal, whether their prolapse is worsening, or when they should seek help. The good news is that prolapse does not always get worse, and there are many treatment options available to help manage symptoms and support an active lifestyle. Here are five signs it may be time to seek advice from a p

One of the most common things I hear from new mums is: "I don't have any major problems, so I'm not sure I need a postnatal check." The reality is that many postpartum issues can be present long before symptoms become obvious. As a pelvic health physiotherapist, I often see women who are returning to running, lifting weights, or simply getting back to normal life, only to discover that their body isn't recovering quite as well as they thought. What Happens During Pregnancy an

Many women are surprised that their tummy still feels swollen, weak or “different” long after having a baby. You may notice doming through your abdomen, ongoing bloating, lower back pain, pelvic heaviness or difficulty returning to exercise. This is incredibly common after pregnancy and birth, but it’s not always simply a matter of needing to “strengthen your core”. Common reasons your tummy may still look or feel different postpartum can include: • abdominal separation (dias

Returning to running after having a baby can feel exciting, emotional, and sometimes frustratingly slow. Whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or caesarean section, your body has gone through significant physical changes during pregnancy and birth, and recovery takes time. One of the most common questions I hear is:“Why do I feel fit enough to run, but my body doesn’t quite feel ready?” The answer is that postpartum recovery is about much more than cardiovascular fitness. Your p

If you’ve been told you’re hypermobile or have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, it’s natural to wonder how this might affect your pelvic floor and your experience of pregnancy and vaginal birth. What is hypermobility? Hypermobility means your joints move more than average due to increased flexibility in your connective tissues. For some, this is simply a normal variation. For others, particularly those with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), it reflects a difference in collagen, the protei

If your period and multi-day hikes have uncanny timing, well, you are not alone. It seems like your uterus has a wicked sense of humour, showing up for long treks, international flights, camping, and even diving. 🙄 Periods while hiking can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with long drops, heavy flow, or multi-day trips. The good news? With some planning, the right gear, and a few clever tricks, it doesn’t have to ruin your adventure. Here’s a roundup of prac

Completing my first 50km ultramarathon at Lake Tekapo was one of the biggest physical and mental challenges I have ever taken on. The views were incredible, the atmosphere was supportive, and the whole day felt like a mix of excitement, grit, pain, and pure determination. Tekapo delivered everything you want from an ultra, stunning scenery, tough kilometres, and that unique feeling of being completely out of your comfort zone. But one part of the race caught me completely off

Why You Need to Pee More When You Run (and What You Can Do About It) If you have ever gone for a run and suddenly felt the urgent need to pee, you are not alone. Many runners plan their routes around toilets, hide behind bushes, or do the awkward sprint home hoping they make it in time. Some even stop running altogether because the urgency becomes too stressful. The good news is this is common, especially in women. The even better news is it is often treatable. Let’s unpack w

December is one of the busiest months of the year, school shows, work Christmas parties, long to-do lists, and family gatherings all seem to land at once. By the time Christmas arrives, many women realise they’ve spent weeks (or months) putting everyone else first. The holiday period is often the first chance to breathe… and the moment many notice symptoms they’ve been ignoring. If you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or juggling pelvic symptoms that flare with stress, travel,

Many women develop mild pelvic organ prolapse after pregnancy or childbirth. It’s incredibly common — especially if you’ve had a vaginal birth, a larger baby, or returned to exercise before your pelvic floor was ready. For some, this shows up as a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the vagina during workouts or at the end of the day. When the idea of using a vaginal pessary comes up, hesitation is completely understandable. You might wonder: Will it make things weaker in the

For many mums, running is more than just exercise, it’s time for yourself, a way to clear your head, and a chance to feel strong again....

A planned or emergency C-section avoids the vaginal passage, which means the pelvic floor muscles themselves may not be directly...

Bringing a baby into the world is an incredible experience, but it’s also a huge event for your body. Whether you had a vaginal birth or...

I came across an interesting study today and thought it was worth sharing. Researchers looked at two small groups of pregnant women in...

The weeks and months after giving birth are full of change — physically, emotionally, and mentally. While caring for your new baby often...

Pregnancy, labour, and delivery bring many changes to your body — some expected, and some not so much. One common but often unspoken...

Welcoming a baby into the world is an incredible experience, but it’s also a major event for your body. Whether your birth was...

Vaginal flatus—commonly known as vaginal wind or queefing—is a totally normal yet sometimes an awkward experience. It happens when air...