MRKH and Pelvic Floor Health
with Emma Bird
We are so lucky to have collaborated with Emma, a pelvic floor specialist nurse. Emma is based in Cambridgeshire in the UK and works hard to support people with a wide range of symptoms. She has answered some of our most frequently asked questions around taking care of our pelvic floor, urinary and gynaecological health, check her website out below!
A Patient Testimonial...
Hey, I'm Vics, you might have seen me dotted around the website a few times. I'm the Founder and Co-Director of MRKH Stars, and I'm also one of Emma's patients!
I have been working with Emma for a few months now, and she has been an integral part in my MRKH and dilator journey recently.
See below for my story and experience of what it has been like to connect with and be supported by Emma. Having someone to take the time to listen to my story, learn about MRKH and give me the time and support I needed to become the best version of me.
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Vics' Story
I reached out to Emma during a very difficult time in my life; I was in pain everyday, and using dilators felt almost impossible. I didn't understand what was going wrong or why, until I spoke to Emma.
Emma spotted that I have vaginismus, not linked to MRKH directly, but something that can cause problems with both your urinary and gynae health. I was then able to get in confirmed by my GP, and we could start putting things in place to support me. My GP has also commented on how great it has been for me to have Emma!
I'm still at a pretty early stage with it and we are working through lots of different things to try to ease the symptoms at the moment, using a range of tablets, creams, stretches and breathing exercises as well as some lifestyle changes, and Emma has been an absolute lifesaver through all of this! She has given me tailored advice, support, and cheers me on during the highs and helps me to navigate the lows.
Reaching out to her was my first step to managing this and it was the best decision I could've made.
To anyone looking for support with MRKH, vaginismus, or bladder/urinary problems, I 100% recommend Emma and am so grateful for her support. I am so happy that we have had the opportunity to collaborate creating some resources for people living with MRKH, and I hope that by getting to learn about your body and understand how your pelvic floor works, you may be able to make your vaginal lengthening journey a little easier.
Your First Appointment
We know that, especially with MRKH, appointments can be particularly daunting. With that in mind, Emma has run us through exactly what will happen when you first meet her, whether it's remotely or in person!
"Your first appointment is really a conversation, a chance for you to share your story, your concerns and your goals at your own pace. We look at how your pelvic floor is behaving, explore any symptoms you’re experiencing and talk through options that feel right for you. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what’s happening in your body and simple steps you can start straight away."
To book a consultation with Emma, head to the link below:
Getting Support...
MRKH doesn't mean that every symptom you have is "just MRKH", nor should we blame MRKH for everything and assume that things won't or can't get better. If you are struggling with any of the symptoms below, these are the things that Emma is very experienced with and can support, MRKH or otherwise. This is your sign to not suffer in silence, know that there is help out there and you are not alone.
Differences in muscle definition:
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Flat glutes
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Pooching in lower belly
Urinary Issues:
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Frequent urination
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Urgency to urinate
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Incontinence (inability to control urine)
Bowel Issues:
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Constipation
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Straining during bowel movements
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Incontinence (inability to control bowel movements)
Pelvic Pain:
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Discomfort or pain in the pelvic area, which may be constant or intermittent
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Pain during sexual intercourse
Pelvic Organ Prolapse:
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A sensation of pelvic heaviness or fullness
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Bulging or pressure in the pelvic region
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Lower back pain
Education:
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Learn how to do pelvic floor contractions/kegals effectively and safely
Our Endorsement of The Pelvic Floor Clinic.
We know that appointments with any healthcare professionals can be very daunting for people with MRKH, which is why we only recommend providers we wholeheartedly trust.
At MRKH Stars we fully support, endorse, and recommend The Pelvic Floor Clinic, and we would like to thank Emma for her support to Stars and to the MRKH community.
To book an appointment with Emma, head to her website or reach out to her via social media. We know that you will be met with kindness, compassion and care.