A Personal Story and Professional Training Program

Louise Richardson-Self opens up about the challenges she faces dealing with pelvic pain caused by endometriosis and adenomyosis, describing the varying degrees of pain she experiences, from burning and searing sensations to muscle spasms and aching. Despite the prevalence of persistent pelvic pain in many women, the conditions are often under-diagnosed and under-treated, leading to feelings of dismissal and frustration among patients seeking medical help. For Richardson-Self, the road to diagnosis was lengthy and involved years of advocating for herself to be taken seriously by medical professionals, highlighting the common struggles faced by many women in similar situations.

Dr. Emily Ware, a women's health GP, acknowledges the complexity of persistent pelvic pain and the importance of a holistic approach in its management, emphasizing the need for collaboration among various healthcare professionals such as gynaecologists, physiotherapists, and dieticians. Vagenius Training's new online course, spearheaded by Rachel Andrew, aims to bridge the knowledge gap among GPs regarding pelvic health, encouraging a team-based approach to better support patients with pelvic pain. The training program also aims to debunk myths and provide GPs with the resources and understanding needed to develop ongoing management plans for patients struggling with pelvic pain symptoms.

The ultimate goal of the training program is to empower GPs to provide better care and support for patients with pelvic pain, ensuring that women like Louise Richardson-Self do not have to endure years of uncertainty and struggle for a proper diagnosis and treatment. By equipping GPs with the knowledge and resources necessary to address pelvic health issues, the hope is to improve the quality of life for many women and girls who are affected by chronic pelvic pain conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis.