The Pelvic Floor Project

This episode is Part 2 of a series on Erectile Dysfunction.  In this episode I discuss with Vancouver based Conselor Justin Paulsen: How mental and emotional factors play a role in ED How stress and the nervous system affect erectile function Porn use and its relationship to ED Masculinity and identity tied to erections Performance anxiety Relationship factors  Pelvic floor patterns and physiother...

In this episode, I discuss with Kelowna based urologist Dr. Chris Bitcon: What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?  At what point does it move from a temporary issue to a condition requiring a doctor's visit? Primary causes (prostate treatment, vascular, hormonal, neurological, psychological) What can you do before you go see a urologist? Treatment options Dr Chris Bitcon is a practicing Urologist...

In this solo episode, I talk about: What may happen in a pelvic floor appointment (specific to internal assessment) The importance of finding a therapist that feels right to you (we don’t all practice the same) My clinical practice process and how each patient influences this What happens when you have your period  THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE SPONSOR SRC Health:  Use the link below for a discount at...

In this episode, I discuss with fellow physiotherapist Carina Siracusa Explanation of our body’s bowel and bladder function  At what level Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis and Stroke affect these systems Medication considerations and side effects How is the pelvic floor related and how it is NOT How we can help as physiotherapists  How patients can advocate for themselves Dr. Carina Siracusa has be...

In this episode, I discuss with psychologist Kristy Money: Her experience growing up in a mormon community surrounded by purity culture and the difficulties of making the “switch” to sexuality and pleasure Sexual shame  Mind/body connection  Ideas for where you can start if you sense you could use some guidance  Kristy Money, Ph. D., is a licensed psychologist, feminist advocate, and expert in wom...

In this episode, I discuss with founder of Menopause Chicks, Shirley Weir: Certain brands of Menopause hormone therapy are now covered in BC as of March 1st as part of the new National PharmaCare program What we know about benefits to using menopause therapy The surge in information and physician education AND most importantly, how you can feel empowered to talk to your provider and pharmacist to...

In this episode, Occupational Therapist Dr. Quiara Smith and I discuss: Potty learning vs potty training What do we need to see in our kids to know they are ready to potty train? Ideal age? How does the pelvic floor relate to potty training? What is required for night time continence? Tips How childhood habits can translate to adult symptoms Should we reward? Constipation  Dr. Quiara Smith, OTD, M...

In this episode, I discuss with fellow physiotherapist and researcher, Gráinne Donnelly, the effect that social media has on diastasis rectus abdominis: The recent study published that evaluated Instagram content related to DRA, exercise, and sports, and explored its perceived impact on the behaviours of women with DRA. The majority of diastasis related content on Instagram is not evidence based F...

In this episode I discuss with a Kristen Mark, a client of mine who wants other new moms to know they aren’t alone when they panic about their postpartum body ABOUT KIRSTEN I’m Kirsten Mark. A mama. A wifey. A business owner.  I had my first baby girl at 16 and second baby girl ar 35 years old. My two daughters have taught me more about life, than any book ever could. Married to Brian Mark, who in...

In this solo episode, I discuss: Just because you have a pelvic floor symptom, doesn’t mean your pelvic floor is “damaged” or “broken”  The majority of people have no idea how their bowel, bladder and sexual systems work You are not supposed to actively hold your core or pelvic floor “engaged” during the day You do not need to wait 6 weeks to work with a physio after birth, hysterectomy, prostate...

In this episode, I sit down with psychotherapist, Lucy Snider to discuss: Low libido, low sexual desire  Spontaneous vs Responsive desire Pain with intercourse Is something wrong with me if I don’t want to have sex? Is it my hormones? Differences in male vs female anatomy when it comes to arousal? The sexual response cycle (desire, arousal, orgasm, resolution) How is the pelvic floor related? Lucy...

In this episode, I discuss with Naturopathic Doctor, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and the founder of IRIS, Dr. Dolores Fernandez:  The unique benefits of vaginal moisturizer, lubricant and estrogen Symptoms that may indicate someone would benefit from a each Important factors when choosing (ingredients, cost, packaging) Suggestions for application Side effects What many other products...

In this episode, I discuss with midwife Meghan Mackenzie and family physician with extra training in low risk obstetrics, Katie Armstrong:  The term “natural birth” The difference between the terms “vaginal birth” and “natural birth” The problems with labelling cesarean birth or instrumented birth “unnatural” The influence of social media  Ways your perinatal provider may be able to support you du...

In this episode, I discuss with Sinead O’Donovan from SRC health : The evidence based benefits of compression  The feedback I receive from clients The quality garments SRC has developed for incontinence, prolapse, back/pelvic pain and the perinatal population To check out SRC products: www.srchealth.com For 10% off your order: THEPELVICFLOORPROJECT Sinead O'Donovan's professional journey...

In this episode, I discuss with researcher and associate professor at the University of Alberta, Dr Margie Davenport:  2019 Canadian guideline for physical activity throughout pregnancy The benefits of physical activity following childbirth The recommendations for how much activity and the importance of gradual progression Do we actually need to wait 6 weeks to do exercise postpartum? Do we all NE...

In this episode, I discuss with EMDR Therapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor, Ashley Phillips about: How previous trauma can be related to your physical symptoms EMDR therapy and how it differs from talk therapy How EMDR therapy can be used to process various types of trauma (childhood, sexual, medical, PTSD etc)  What you can expect in a session  Proposed theories for why it works  Ashley Phi...

In this episode, I discuss with Jessica Adaszynski: The new Physiotherapy Association of BC Position statement released March 2025: Accessibility to Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Services for Residents of BC  Evidence based benefits of pelvic health physiotherapy Current gaps and inequitable access Recommendations for improved awareness, access, integration into the health care system, funding,  Jes...

This episode is meant to be listened to AFTER episode 110. In that episode, I discuss with urologist, Dr. Jeff Zorn, diagnosis and treatment options for prostate cancer.  In this episode, I discuss with fellow pelvic health physiotherapist, Katie Hauck: The relationship between the prostate and the pelvic floor  Symptoms commonly experienced after prostate cancer treatment (incontinence, erectile...

In this episode, I discuss with urologist, Dr. Jeff Zorn:  The prostate and age related changes Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer Screening in Canada  Typical movement through the medical system if prostate cancer is suspected Treatment options (active surveillance, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy) Risks for each treatment (incontinence, bladder/bowel, sexual health) Where do...

In this episode, I discuss with medical student, Sara Perelmuter:  What is genitourinary syndrome of lactation (GSL)? Reasons why the postpartum vulvovaginal tissues resemble those of a menopausal woman Signs and symptoms of GSL Postpartum hormone changes  How to talk to your provider about this  What we need to know as providers Does using topical estrogen harm the baby? Dose, frequency and lengt...

In this episode I discuss with a previous client of mine, Fatima Al-Roubaiai: How do you know how many appointments to make with health care practitioners before and after birth? The degree of advice and appointments can be overwhelming You are the expert on what works for you  The pros and cons of social media Your support “team” may be different before and after birth How do know what YOU need F...

In this episode I discuss with trained midwife and founder of the GentleBirth app,  Tracy Donegan: The goal behind starting GentleBirth and the gap it filled Reasons why meditation and mindfulness are helpful in preparing for birth How the app may be used throughout pregnancy, birth and throughout motherhood NOTE : 3 bonus episodes (meditations) will be released with this episode  The GentleBirth...

BONUS BIRTH MEDITATION 1 The GentleBirth Positive Birth app combines mindfulness, hypnosis, breathing techniques, affirmations, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help expectant moms feel calm, confident and prepared for birth. Unlike traditional childbirth classes, GentleBirth is brain training for birth - teaching moms (and partners) how to manage stress, reduce fear, and build resilience...

BONUS BIRTH MEDITATION 2 The GentleBirth Positive Birth app combines mindfulness, hypnosis, breathing techniques, affirmations, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help expectant moms feel calm, confident and prepared for birth. Unlike traditional childbirth classes, GentleBirth is brain training for birth - teaching moms (and partners) how to manage stress, reduce fear, and build resilience...

BONUS BIRTH MEDITATION 3 The GentleBirth Positive Birth app combines mindfulness, hypnosis, breathing techniques, affirmations, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help expectant moms feel calm, confident and prepared for birth. Unlike traditional childbirth classes, GentleBirth is brain training for birth - teaching moms (and partners) how to manage stress, reduce fear, and build resilience...