Infertility is a journey that many don't expect to go on, but what can be even more unexpected is discovering a pelvic condition at the same time. Join Connect as we discuss the complexities of infertility, pelvic conditions and pelvic pain with gynaecologist and fertility subspecialist Professor Louise Hull.

In this episode, Professor Hull explores infertility - how it might be diagnosed, possible causes and different options someone can explore to assist them in falling pregnant. This episode doesn't just touch on those experiencing infertility and pelvic conditions, but also their partner and how they may be impacted.

Tune into this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and feel more empowered about your own health and wellbeing.

Hosts and Guests

• Connect - ⁠⁠https://www.moira.org.au/connect/⁠⁠
• Professor Louise Hull - https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/louise.hull

Key resources

• Endo Help - ⁠⁠https://endohelp.com.au/⁠⁠
• Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics (government-funded) - ⁠⁠https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/endometriosis-and-pelvic-pain-clinics?language=en⁠⁠
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - ⁠⁠https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/⁠⁠
• QENDO - ⁠⁠https://www.qendo.org.au/⁠⁠

Gender-affirming services and resources

Although the podcast refers to ‘women’, Connect acknowledges that those experiencing pelvic pain and associated conditions are part of a diverse community with various identities. For resources designed for those who are gender-diverse and experiencing pelvic pain please refer to:

• Endometriosis Coalition - ⁠⁠https://www.acendo.com.au/gender-diverse-people-endometriosis⁠⁠
• Endometriosis WA - ⁠⁠https://www.endometriosiswa.org.au/im-seeking-support/endometriosis-and-gender-diversity/⁠⁠
• Thorne Harbour Health - ⁠⁠https://thorneharbour.org/services/⁠⁠

For those living with pelvic pain, or any type of chronic pain, their experience is not simply a physical one. Pain impacts the mental health and wellbeing of someone, sometimes as much or even more so than it does to their physical body. For some, this can lead to social isolation from friends and family, difficulty engaging in intimate relationships and worsening of their overall health and wellbeing.

Clinical and Health Psychologist, Megan de Souza is our guest on this episode and will explore how pelvic pain can impact mental health, the impact of the nervous system on pain and where someone can seek support to ensure they feel empowered, connected and supported.

Tune into this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and feel more empowered about your own health and wellbeing.

Hosts and Guests

• Connect - https://www.moira.org.au/connect/
• Megan de Souza - https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services/healthcare-service/camberwell-3124-vic/dr-megan-de-souza/clinical-psychology/9bb7a608-f673-45f8-9e1d-1d506be41073

Megan’s recommendations

• Healing Pelvic Pain by Dr Peta Wright
• Curable app – free trial period, creates a personalised recovery program https://apps.apple.com/au/app/curable-chronic-pain-relief/id1325784379
• Insight Timer app – free to use the basic version https://apps.apple.com/au/app/insight-timer-meditate-sleep/id337472899
• Mindfulness app – free trial period, includes programs on pain and chronic illness, sleep, and yoga nidra course https://apps.apple.com/au/app/mindfulness-com-meditation-app/id1466046486

Key resources

• Endo Help - ⁠https://endohelp.com.au/⁠
• Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics (government-funded) - ⁠https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/endometriosis-and-pelvic-pain-clinics?language=en⁠
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - ⁠https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/⁠
• QENDO - ⁠https://www.qendo.org.au/⁠

Gender-affirming services and resources

Although the podcast refers to ‘women’, Connect acknowledges that those experiencing pelvic pain and associated conditions are part of a diverse community with various identities. For resources designed for those who are gender-diverse and experiencing pelvic pain please refer to:

• Endometriosis Coalition - ⁠https://www.acendo.com.au/gender-diverse-people-endometriosis⁠
• Endometriosis WA - ⁠https://www.endometriosiswa.org.au/im-seeking-support/endometriosis-and-gender-diversity/⁠
• Thorne Harbour Health - ⁠https://thorneharbour.org/services/

Treatment for pelvic pain conditions don’t just have to stop at medication and surgery. Movement, sleep, nutrition and mindfulness can all have a powerful impact on an individual's experience and are now being recommended more frequently by healthcare professionals.

In this two-part episode, we speak with naturopath Freya Lawler, who specialises in complex reproductive health, endometriosis and IVF optimisation. Freya shares evidence-based advice on how someone living with pelvic pain can make small changes in their daily lives to make long-term improvements to their experiences of pain and overall wellbeing. In part two, Freya explores the power of movement and mindfulness.

Tune into this episode and the rest of the season to find out more and feel more empowered about your own health and wellbeing.

Hosts and Guests

• Connect - ⁠https://www.moira.org.au/connect/⁠
• Freya Lawler - ⁠https://www.freyalawler.com.au/⁠

Freya’s recommendations

• Open: Breathwork + Meditation app - https://o-p-e-n.com/
• Breathwork with Connect- https://www.moira.org.au/connect/resources/213839-breathe-well
• Mind Your Body: A Revolutionary Program to Release Chronic Pain and Anxiety by Nicole Sachs
• The Cure for Chronic Pain with Nicole Sachs

Key resources

• Endo Help - ⁠https://endohelp.com.au/⁠
• Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics (government-funded) - ⁠https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/endometriosis-and-pelvic-pain-clinics?language=en⁠
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health - ⁠https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/⁠
• QENDO - ⁠https://www.qendo.org.au/⁠

Gender-affirming services and resources

Although the podcast refers to ‘women’, Connect acknowledges that those experiencing pelvic pain and associated conditions are part of a diverse community with various identities. For resources designed for those who are gender-diverse and experiencing pelvic pain please refer to:

• Endometriosis Coalition - ⁠https://www.acendo.com.au/gender-diverse-people-endometriosis⁠
• Endometriosis WA - ⁠https://www.endometriosiswa.org.au/im-seeking-support/endometriosis-and-gender-diversity/⁠
• Thorne Harbour Health - ⁠https://thorneharbour.org/services/⁠