Pelvic health resources for patients: BePelvicHealthAware.ca


One of every two women will experience one or more pelvic floor symptoms during her lifetime, which is why Dr Roxana Geoffrion, urogynecologist and UBC researcher, is passionate about spreading evidence-based information about the pelvic floor. Her goal is to provide access to medical information on these sensitive topics and empower people to speak to their providers about childbirth trauma, healing, and prevention of further disease. 

Dr Geoffrion and a team based out of Vancouver have launched a website and social media campaign to help people to #BePelvicHealthAware at www.bepelvichealthaware.ca. The patient-oriented website is home to four whiteboard animation videos (and counting!). Through simple images and plain language, the videos illustrate best practice clinical guidelines from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada on pelvic health and disease prevention. 

So far, the videos cover pelvic health and pregnancy, obstetrical anal sphincter injuries, pessaries, and urinary incontinence. The website also offers information on pelvic health after childbirth, menopause-related issues, pelvic floor disorders such as prolapse or incontinence, and the importance of exercise to keep healthy. If the resources do not answer questions that may arise, website viewers are encouraged to submit their own questions.

A common question Dr Geoffrion hears from patients is, “How could I have prevented this from happening to me?” The answer is that preventive measures like pelvic floor muscle exercises can help reduce the severity of some symptoms or avoid them entirely.

Dr Geoffrion hopes the website and its resources will also be used by women’s health care providers looking to direct their patients to simple evidence-based information on pelvic floor health during pregnancy and beyond. Women should not wait until they are in labor to understand key components of pelvic health and prevention of disease. It is important for them to access simple resources ahead of time, to be prepared for the events surrounding childbirth, and for the care required postpartum. 

To learn more about the campaign, visit www.bepelvichealthaware.ca or follow on Instagram or Facebook. And join the conversation using #BePelvicHealthAware.
—Melissa Nelson
Communications Coordinator, BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre
 


This post has not been peer reviewed by the BCMJ Editorial Board.


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