The pelvic floor needs to relax and contract in a coordinated fashion for a person to be able to have normal stool elimination. If for some reason the person is unable to control these muscles, he or she is said … Read more
What is vaginismus and the role of the physiotherapist in its treatment?
Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction where women are unable to have vaginal penetration. This is because the muscles of the pelvic floor surrounding the vagina contract involuntarily resulting in the vagina clenching shut. This leads to pain on attempt of … Read more
Who is the person suffering from Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia is not a lifestyle choice, it is a mental illness that impedes you from eating the necessary amount of food that your body and your brain need. People who have anorexia nervosa have a deep-seeded fear of putting weight … Read more
The Psychological Effects of Anorexia Nervosa
In trying to understand anorexia, it is of paramount importance that one delineates the psychological effects of anorexia nervosa. This is important as for a full recovery, one has to address the psychological part of the illness. People with anorexia … Read more
Postnatal sexual dysfunctions – Part 3/3
The first step to treatment is to acknowledge that although it is normal for the first few postnatal weeks that a woman’s sexual desire is low, extended sexual difficulties should not go unnoticed and untreated. An important aspect of a … Read more
Postnatal sexual difficulties – Part 2/3
Continuing on from the previous blog, it’s important to note that when a woman is constantly touching and interacting with her baby, and especially if she is breastfeeding, she can feel ‘touched out’, which is a very common feeling in … Read more
Postnatal sexual difficulties – Part 1/3
The postnatal period is associated with a lot of physiological, psychological and social changes, which could influence a woman’s relationship and sexual health. Many adjustments are required to fit in the extra family member and there is an increased demand … Read more
Perineal pain associated with childbirth
Perineal trauma can effect up to 85% of women after vaginal delivery. The consequences of this include perineal pain and dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse). Your perineum is a small muscular area between your vagina and anus.
Immediate postpartum tips … Read more
Stress Urinary Incontinence
A 32 year old woman was referred for physiotherapy with probably stress urinary incontinence. A subjective assessment revealed that the she had been suffering from the problem for about 1 year, since the birth of her second child. Her complaint … Read more
The pelvic floor and sexuality – Post surgical sexual problems – Part 2/2
Surgery to correct lower urinary tract symptoms is relatively common practice especially in Malta. Women might undergo surgery for stress urinary incontinence, tension-free vaginal tape for prolapsed bladder and other prolapse repair surgeries. Following such surgeries women have reported sexual … Read more