Let’s talk about women’s health

This Women’s Health Week, 5-11 September 2022, we asked women’s health experts why it’s time to start talking.

This year’s themes focus on health checks, menopause, mind health, pelvic health and getting active – topics centred on improving women's health and helping women make healthier choices.

Here we explore two topics and chat to experts about why it’s important to talk about women’s health, so that more women feel confident to seek out specialist advice and services. 

Why is pelvic health important?

Pelvic floor health can be hard to talk about, though seeking help can make a real difference to helping women to live active, engaged and social lives, says Kerry O’Sullivan, Women’s Health Physiotherapist at the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Melbourne’s west. 

This is because the muscles of the pelvic floor help maintain bladder and bowel control. These muscles also contribute to sexual enjoyment.

‘If you’re experiencing issues such as pelvic pain, painful sex, pelvic organ prolapse or incontinence, you should speak to your GP,’ recommends O’Sullivan.

‘We run an advanced practice Women’s Health Physiotherapy clinic, which means GPs can refer women directly to us – as can pelvic floor, gynaecology and maternity units within the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

‘Pelvic health physiotherapists assess and prescribe exercises and advice to improve symptoms. In most cases pelvic health conditions can be successfully treated or better managed,’ adds Sullivan.

Get informed with the Pelvic power section of the Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week website.

Or listen to The Jean Hailes podcast, where women’s health physiotherapist, Heba Shaheed explains why treatments like pelvic physiotherapy can be life-changing but are often overlooked or unknown to women.

Dealing with anxiety

Have you ever felt anxiety, battled brain fog, or had trouble sleeping when stressed?

If you’ve experienced any of these common symptoms, there are simple changes you can make to support improved mind health.

‘It’s important to start the conversation about mental health”, says Livia Cremona-Bellizia, Clinical Psychologist and Business and Service Improvement Lead at Joan Kirner Women's and Children's Hospital.