AL WOMEN'S HEALTH
Pelvic Health
Initial Assessment
A dedicated first appointment to understand your pelvic health, explore what may be contributing to your symptoms and identify the right next steps for you.
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your pelvic health assessment, explained.
This appointment is for women experiencing pelvic health symptoms who would like a detailed assessment and a clear plan for moving forward.
AT A GLANCE
What your first appointment includes.
Your appointment is tailored to your symptoms, goals and individual needs.
Depending on your presentation, your assessment may include:
A detailed discussion of your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle and personal goals.
A pelvic floor assessment, which may include an internal vaginal examination with your consent, to assess pelvic floor strength, tone, coordination and function.
Assessment of breathing mechanics and the relationship between your breathing, core function and pelvic floor.
A personalised treatment and rehabilitation plan based on your assessment findings.
Individual advice and guidance around exercise, sport and everyday activities where appropriate.
Time to discuss your findings and ask questions so you understand your pelvic health and the next steps.
IS THIS APPOINTMENT FOR ME?
Pelvic health symptoms can present in many ways.
You may benefit from an initial assessment if you are experiencing one or more of the following:
Bladder leakage or reduced bladder control
Urinary urgency or increased frequency
Difficulty fully emptying your bladder
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Bowel leakage or difficulty controlling wind or stool
Constipation or difficulty opening your bowels
A sensation of heaviness, pressure or dragging in the vagina
Symptoms of prolapse, including vaginal bulging or a feeling of “something coming down”
Pelvic pain or general pelvic discomfort
Pain during or after intercourse
Vaginal tightness or difficulty with penetration
Postnatal concerns following vaginal birth or caesarean section
Abdominal weakness or concerns relating to diastasis recti
Tailbone (coccyx) pain
Discomfort with tampon use or internal examinations
YOUR ASSESSMENT
Pelvic Floor Check
Where appropriate, an internal vaginal examination may be offered to assess your pelvic floor muscles and help identify factors contributing to your symptoms.
This can provide information about pelvic floor strength, tone and coordination, as well as helping to assess concerns such as bladder or bowel symptoms, pelvic pain and signs of prolapse.
Please note: we will not be able to carry out this part of the assessment if you are experiencing current untreated symptoms of a UTI or pelvic infection. Once medically treated, we can of course arrange your assessment.
LOOKING BEYOND THE PELVIC FLOOR
Breathing Mechanics
Your pelvic floor does not work in isolation. Your breathing, diaphragm, abdominal wall and pelvic floor work together to help manage pressure through your trunk.
Where relevant, we may look at how you breathe at rest and during movement, including rib and abdominal movement and the coordination between breathing and pelvic floor function.
This helps us understand whether your breathing and pressure management may be contributing to your symptoms and allows your rehabilitation to address the wider picture.
AFTER YOUR ASSESSMENT
What happens next?
At the end of your assessment, we will discuss the findings and agree the most appropriate next steps for you.
If a follow-up is recommended, the timing will depend on your individual assessment and clinical findings. This is typically between 2 and 6 weeks after your initial consultation.
PELVIC HEALTH AT AL WOMEN'S HEALTH
Ready to book your initial assessment?
If you are unsure whether this is the right appointment for you, you are welcome to get in touch before booking.