Episode 11: Breaking the Stigma Around Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

“What’s important is targeted and culturally-sensitive educational materials and interventions to be able to increase awareness about pelvic floor disorders among patients and the general public. The point of this would be to help destigmatize these conditions and encourage women to talk about their symptoms openly with their healthcare providers, with their family and friends to create a sense of community that people aren’t alone in experiencing these symptoms.” -Kiran Mann

In this week’s episode of Women’s Health Interrupted, we are joined by Dr. Kiran Mann to discuss pelvic floor dysfunction and breaking stigmas. She explains what pelvic floor dysfunction is, how common it is and useful tips if you do have it. Kiran will also talk about the Be Pelvic Health Aware campaign – aimed to help those with this dysfunction feel comfortable to talk to their healthcare providers and support systems.

Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

• Be Pelvic Aware
• Maternal Pelvic Floor Health
• Pelvic Floor Exercises
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse
• A Systematic Review of Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Female Pelvic Floor Disorders

Guest Biography

Kiran Mann is a first-year obstetrics and gynecology resident at McMaster University. She completed her undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of British Columbia. Kiran is a member of the Be Pelvic Health Aware team, led by Dr. Roxana Geoffrion, and is also a research assistant with the Centre for Pelvic Floor. She is passionate about patient education around reproductive health, including the pelvic floor and its related conditions. Kiran hopes that this podcast will be helpful for the listeners to learn about the pelvic floor and the Be Pelvic Health Aware project.