Vulvodynia - is it a mucosal issue, a pelvic floor issue, a psychological issue...or all of the above? That was the question I asked on my Instagram feed recently, paraphrasing the research into this topic by Chisari et al.
So in this week's episode, I'm delighted to welcome Dr Jessica Reale back to the podcast, this time, to discuss Vulvodynia. It can be an intimidating diagnosis for both patient and provider but we explore what it takes to be an effective clinician working with people on this journey.
Some of the topics we talked about - hypermobility, inflammation, dermatological considerations, ruling drivers like hips, spines and nerves in or out as contributors and of course, bowel health gets a mention here too!
Jessica of course, along with Nicole Cozean, is one of the co-founders of Pelvicon and they are running a Vulvodynia Symposium with luminaries such as Stephanie Pendergast, Dr Rachel Rubin, Dr Jill Krapf, Dr Alex Milspaw and more. It's happening July 13 2024 and registration is opening on Tuesday the 9th of July - head over to pelvicon.com for registration info
But also:
Do you want to find out more about working with women living with pelvic pain diagnoses such as Vulvodynia, Endometriosis, IC/ Bladder Pain Syndrome and/or Pelvic Neuralgias? (And get the Functional Female Pelvic Anatomy course FOR FREE?!) My online Female Pelvic Pain Rehab course is available online with evergreen access and membership of a private student support group - you can find all the info on my website CelebrateMuliebrity.com
To stay up to date on all the latest in women's health, make sure you're following me on Instagram @michellelyons_muliebrity
Until next time, Onwards & Upwards! Mx
(and if you enjoy this content, I'd be grateful if you could subscribe, rate & review this podcast wherever you're listening to it!