ACRM 2015 Pelvic Health Initiative Overview

We apply this holistic, body-mind-behavior approach to pelvic health.

Traditional medicine focuses on solving problems, one organ at a time.

Our approach focuses on preventing and managing problems that may arise across the lifespan so you can reach your best level of functioning and well-being.

We would like you to tell us:

In what ways do bladder, reproductive, sexual, and bowel health affect your…

Physical Well-Being

Mental Well-being

Social Well-being

Spiritual Well-being

You can learn more and give us your input in several ways:

The Pelvic Health Initiative

for Women with Disabilities

Center for Research on Women with Disabilities

Website,

Social media

www.BCM.edu/crowd

crowd@BCM.edu

Webinars

January – Overview of Pelvic Health

February – Transitions and Pelvic Health

March – Bowel and Bladder Management for Sexual Health

April – Access to Pelvic Health Care Services

Practical Advice

Psychosocial Management

Treatments

Psychosocial Management

Psychosocial Techniques

Practical Advice

Management

Bladder

Management

Treatments

Bowel

Management

Common Problems

Treatments

Common Problems

Pelvic Health Checklist

[under development]

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Retention

Urinary Incontinence

• Menstrual irregularity
• Excessive bleeding
• Fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Pain
• Yeast infections
• Infertility
• Contraception
• Prolapse
• Hysterectomy
• Pregnancy problems
• Labor and delivery problems
• Menopause problems
• Vaginal dryness
• Arousal problems
• Low interest in sex
• Skin problems

• Irregularity
• Chronic constipation
• Fecal incontinence
• Prolapse
• Hemorrhoids
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Bowel Health

Bladder Health

What is normal for you in terms of

• frequency
• timing
• stool consistency
• difficulty
• response to foods
• other?

How do you define what is normal for you in terms of:

• frequency of voiding
• quantity of urine
• color
• odor
• clarity/opacity
• other?

Reproductive

and

Sexual Health

What is right and normal for you?

• absence of pain
• presence of pleasure

Comments, Questions

crowd@BCM.edu or go to www.BCM.edu/crowd

Pelvic Health

Behaviors

Pelvic Health is the best possible functioning and management of the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. It is not merely the absence of disease or weakness in these organs. Pelvic health plays an important role in complete physical, mental, social, and sexual well-being.

"Only feed what you want to grow."

Concerns the organs of the pelvic floor:

• Bladder
• Bowel
• Organs of Reproduction
• Ovaries
• Uterus
• Cervix
• Vagina
• External Genitalia (skin)

Health promoting behaviors

• Regular Physical Activity
• Mindful Nutrition
• Not Smoking
• Careful Hygiene
• Minimal Use of Alcohol/Substances

Use of complementary and alternative medicine

Health starts from the context within which we live.

Healthcare services

• How to find a medical provider to meet your needs
• How to coordinate your medical providers
• How to talk to your medical providers
• How to use preventive services

Urban/Rural

Technology

Race/Ethnicity

Information

Employment

[Focus of this project]

Access to health care

Education

Finances

[Focus of this project]

Demographics

Environmental

Resources

Disability

Status