ITQ 2

The ovaries are an important part of the female reproductive system. Sitting either side of the uterus (womb), they release an egg once every 28 days as part of the menstrual cycle. Once an egg is released, the follicle in which it formed bursts and shrinks ready for the next cycle to begin. If the follicles do not correctly shrink after the egg is released, a fluid filled sac, called a cyst, can develop in the ovary. 1 in 10 ovarian cysts also involve growth into the fallopian tubes and other nearby organs. Ovarian cysts can also form on the outside of the ovary, from a group of abnormal cells that would otherwise create the eggs, which is less common.

Ovarian cysts are often non-cancerous (benign), cause no symptoms, and disappear without the need for treatment. However, this is not always the case. They can be painful and grow up to the size of a large melon before they rupture (burst) or begin to shrink. They can block the blood supply to the ovaries, or cause internal...

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common conditions that results in pelvic pain. It is a lifelong intestinal disorder that prevents the large bowel from functioning correctly. Resulting in abnormal bowel movements which are often uncomfortable and occasionally painful. The symptoms can come and go as they are aggravated by certain activities and foods.

IBS can be categorised by the most common bowel habit:

• IBS-D - Diarrhoea.
• IBS-C - Constipation.
• IBS-M - Both diarrhoea and constipation together.
• IBS-A - Alternating diarrhoea and constipation.

IBS is quite common, affecting 10-20% of the population and twice as many women as men. Most people are diagnosed before they are 20, and it rarely develops in later life.

Although often painful and inconvenient, IBS is not related to other health problems and...

Fibroids (uterine leiomyomas) are non-cancerous growths that grow in and around the uterus (womb). They are very common, developing in 1 in every 3 women. Most women have no symptoms, however, they can cause heavy periods (menorrhagia) and pelvic pain if they grow large enough.

Fibroids can be categorised by where, on the uterus, they grow:

• Intramural fibroids – The most common type of fibroid, they develop within the muscle wall of the uterus.
• Subserosal fibroids – Develop on the outside of the uterus, and grow into the pelvis. If they are connected to the uterus only by a narrow piece of tissue, they are then known as pedunculated subserosal fibroids.
• Submucosal fibroids – Develop in the muscle layer beneath the inner lining of the uterus, and grow into the uterus. They can also be connected to the uterus only by a narrow piece of tissue, making...

Endometriosis is when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (womb) also grows on the outside of the uterus, and on the other pelvic organs. It most commonly effects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterine tissue. It is non-cancerous and is diagnosed through a hysteroscopy, where a hysteroscope (a light and camera on the end of a long, thin tube) is inserted through the vagina and into the womb.

Endometriosis is one of the most common conditions that results in pelvic pain, being the cause in 30% of chronic pelvic pain cases. It effects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, peaking at 40 years of age. The pain is caused by inflamed endometrial tissue on the outside of the uterus, bleeding during menstruation. The bleeding can cause scarring and act as a glue, sticking the pelvic organs and tissue together, resulting in further pain. Not all women experience pain with endometriosis, however. Although most do, on average spending 18 days in...

There are many digestive diseases, infections and conditions which can affect the normal function of your bowel, and the control you have over it. They often have similar symptoms, characterised by a change in your bowel movements. Pelvic pain often accompanies bowel problems, usually localised to the abdomen and rectum.

The following conditions affect a large population of people around the world. Often, due to the intimate nature of bowel problems, treatment is not sought early and people suffer for longer than they need to. To avoid any permanent damage occurring to your digestive system, it is important that you understand the different symptoms of bowel problems and the early warning signs that you are suffering from something more serious.

• Bowel cancer includes colon (80%) and rectal cancer (20%). It is one of the most common types, often diagnosed in over 60's. If caught early it can be cured by surgery to remove the cancerous tissue...

Adenomyosis is a condition where the endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus (womb), grows into the muscle wall of the uterus. The condition was previously believed to be an extension of endometriosis. But it is now known to be a separate condition as the tissue only grows on the inside of the uterus, at a depth of at least 2.5mm into the outer muscular layer.

There are three types of adenomyosis:

• Focal - A distinctly separate mass in the middle layer of the uterus wall (myometrium).
• Extensive/diffuse - Growth of the endometrial tissue over a wide area.
• Adenomyoma tumours - These non-cancerous tumours mimic fibroids and can be microscopic or large enough to be visible. They can occur with both focal...

The International Association for the Study of Pain define pain as "An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage." Pain is subjective but always unpleasant and emotional. There is not always an identifiable stimuli and can instead be the result of pathophysiological causes.

Chronic pelvic pain is often a result of a change in the complex interactions that occur within your pelvis. Amongst the urinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, neurologic and gynaecologic systems. The experience of the pain can be influenced by psychological and sociocultural factors, such as personal outlook and available support.

You'll experience a change in the normal sensations and processes in your body. Consciously you may change your posture and movement. Involuntarily, the way that your organs function may change.

Chronic pelvic pain is often linked to depression...

Pelvic pain is considered as any discomfort that is felt in the lower abdomen, below the belly button, including pain felt in the buttocks. It can be mild and last only a few days (acute), or could be debilitating and be continuous or recurrent for at least 6 months (chronic) - preventing you from continuing with your daily routine and needing medical treatment to resolve.

Chronic pelvic pain is as common, in the UK, as the occurrence of migraines, asthma and lower back pain. It can begin as a side effect of many various health conditions, however, it can become a condition in its own right once the original cause has resolved. Many of the causes of pelvic pain relate to the female genitalia, and therefore women are more likely to suffer from pelvic pain. 15% of women in America suffer, and 11% of GP visits from men are as a result of pelvic pain.

Working with your GP, you will design a treatment plan which treats the original cause(s) of your pain, if known. Alongside...

Kegel exercises are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor, which provides support for the uterus, small intestine, bladder, and rectum. The pelvic floor is a layer of muscles and tissues that extend from the pubic bone to the coccyx (your tailbone). Kegels do tighten the vagina but not by tightening the vaginal muscles, as some people think.

So, how do Kegels work? They strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that surround the vagina. The best thing about these exercises is that they can be done just about anywhere, anytime, without anyone else knowing! Kegel balls come in many different sizes and weights—anywhere from 10 grams to 100 grams. Your best bet is use them daily and increase the weight gradually as you feel like your muscles are getting stronger. The heavier the ball, the more strength you need to hold it inside - so start small and work your way up.

Switching to a reusable menstrual cup means you will need to know how to clean and sterilise it. Menstrual cups and discs are all made from medical grade materials, either silicone or TPE, which means they’re less likely to harbour bacteria. As such, they are extremely sanitary and easy to clean once you know how!

Firstly, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to look after your period cup. Most good brands will come with a user manual that explains exactly how to sterilise it before use, insert it, remove it, and clean it between and after use. Follow these exactly and you won’t go wrong.

Not sure where to start? View our Menstrual Cup Starter Kit

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Kegel exercises are exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. You might also hear them called pelvic floor exercises. They affect the muscles that support your uterus, bladder, small intestine, and rectum. Kegels don’t just help keep them fit, they can help you avoid bladder leaks and passing gas or stool by accident. They can even improve sexual sensation and improve intimacy with your partner.

Kegels can be performed manually or with an electronic pelvic floor exerciser which utilises small electric currents to stimulate a contraction in the muscles. Kegels do tighten the vagina but not by tightening the vaginal muscles, as some people may think. Kegels strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that surround the vagina. Making Kegel exercises part of your daily routine is very easy - you can do Kegel exercises discreetly just about any time, whether you're sitting at your desk or relaxing on the sofa. So, do kegels work?

Well, the contraction exercises the muscle and...

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