Join Kate Wahl and I in this enlightening episode as we explore the multifaceted implications of the phrase 'endometriosis is a public health issue.’ Together, we unravel the complexity of the condition, shedding light on its far-reaching consequences for individuals and society as a whole.

We explore ways patients can actively participate in making the action plan a reality. From grassroots advocacy to leveraging social media and engaging with policymakers, we share practical tips on how individuals can contribute to the cause and secure much-needed support and awareness for endometriosis in Canada.

Kate Wahl is a UBC graduate researcher focused on advancing sexual and reproductive health and has co-led a study on menstrual health and endometriosis education in schools. In this episode we dive into what endometriosis is, what can be done to help bridge the gaps to expert care, the goal of the Canadian national action plan for endometriosis, EndoAct advocacy toolkit and how we as patients can help make change happen locally.

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Links from episode:

Twitter - @KateJWahl

Instagram - @KateJWahl

@EndoActCanada

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On this episode, Michelle and Dr. Nucelio Lemos chat about Neuropelveology and how it is a new concept in medicine that is not yet a subspecialty because it is still developing.

Neuropelveology is bringing together the concept of gynecologic laparoscopy, with concept with peripheral neural surgery to approach conditions that affect the intrapelvic portions (within the pelvis, the lower part of the abdomen between the hip bones) of the lumbosacral plexus.

It can consist of nerve roots that form sciatic, the pudendal, femoral nerve. The nerves to the pelvic floor, the perineum and the legs. These nerves all originate and form in the deeper layers of the pelvis.

Neuropelveology uses advanced laparoscopic nerve surgery techniques to approach the nerve roots. With the knowledge that is learned from these approaches (which started with the goal of preserving nerves during surgery), they then learned more and more about conditions related to pain related to those nerves, such as endometriosis and a long list of other inrtapelvic conditions.

About Dr. Nucelio Lemos

Dr. Lemos did his medical training and postgraduate training in gynecology, urogynecology and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, as well as a PhD in Gynecology. He then attended a Fellowship in Pelvic Neurodysfunctions by the International School of Neuropelveology in Zurich, Switzerland.

He is currently the Chairman of the Scientific and Education Committee of the Latin American Pelvic Floor Association (ALAPP). He is also a Founding Member of the International Society of Neuropelveology and the Director of the School of Pelvic Pain of the International Continence Society Institute.

In 2017 he made his way to Canada where he was appointed Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, where he currently is creating the Pelvic Functional Surgery and Neuropelveology Clinic at Mount Sinai and Women’s College Hospitals in Toronto, Canada.

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Dr. Lemos Instagram: @nucelio

On this episode, Michelle and Dr. Dean Tripp discuss mental health and biopsychosocial model with chronic pain related to IC/Bladder Pain Syndrome.

Dr. Tripp completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Dalhousie University. He joined the Department of Psychology at Queen’s University shortly afterward and has been cross appointed with the Departments of Anesthesiology and Urology. He teaches courses in Health Psychology, Interpersonal Therapy, and Pain. 

Dr. Tripp has published over 50 peer reviewed research papers and chapters examining community chronic pain experience and depression as well as a focus on Chronic Prostatitis and Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis. His research and clinical interests have always focused on health, stress and interpersonal adjustment.   

Michelle's hope is that you take some valuable information from this episode and apply it in one way or another to improve your quality of life while living with persistent pelvic pain.

Please Note: There is talk about suicide in this episode, which I know can be distressing. If you need resources or support go to talksuicide.ca or for 24 hour free counselling in Canada, the number is 1.833.456.4566 

Links from episode:

Study: Biopsychosocial predictors of suicide risk in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

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