Pessaries can play an important part in getting back a reasonable quality of life if you happen to suffer with stress incontinence (SUI) and/or pelvic organ prolapse.
Today, pessary expert and advocate for women who suffer stress incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse Gaynor Morgan speaks about the Cramer Pessary.
Gaynor Morgan works with medical professionals and leading retailers all over Europe to help raise the awareness about the importance of getting incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse issues to the forefront and pushing for more education about these subjects.
Over 45% of women worldwide suffer with some type of pelvic organ prolapse and/ or incontinence. The World Health Organisation had deemed this as an epidemic that needs addressing.
Gaynor heads up the European side of the non profit organisation, APOPS – Association for pelvic organ prolapse support founded by award winning author of the book: Pelvic Organ Prolapse the silent epidemic. Ms Sherrie Palm.
The Cramer pessary: Material : Medical grade silicone with a steel spring inside for stabilization
Size range: Diameter 50mm and increases in 5mm increments to the largest size 90mm
Use : for the management of stress incontinence, cystocele and uterine prolapse.
DO NOT USE IF: You have had prior surgery and this includes vaginoplasty. Reason being, the pelvic floor must be somewhat stable to retain this pessary.
Usage: Fit in the morning and remove in the evening. Lubricant is advisable if the vagina is very dry. Recommended lubricants are yes and ladysoft
Fitting: The Dr or physiotherapist should show you and get you to practise insertion and removal. Ensure the two thick ends are right against the urethra and do not pinch.
The Cramer will lift and support the bladder neck which controls the involuntary loss of urine in SUI (Stresss Urinary Incontinence)
The pelvic floor must be in tact for this pessary to be successful. It hasn’t been very successful in the management of rectocele but is very good in the management of a cystocele where the patient also presents a uterine prolapse grade 1 or 2.
Care of the Cramer: Wash under clean water and allow to airdry. (Drying with a towel or paper towel can leave debris behind to stick to the pessary which can be introduced into the vaginal lining and may cause problems. Cleaning with a pessary sanitiser such as IncoClean (without alcohol) can also be used. Autoclaving is possible.
DO NOT microwave or boil this pessary due to the metal spring inside.
If you still leak urine after it has been fitted, it is possible that you have not positioned it correctly. Remove and reposition.
They are not available on the NHS prescription at this time.
For more information please go to www.incostress.com and go to the free downloads.
Everyone knows that Dr Arnold Kegel discovered the pelvic floor exercises. Exercises which are to this day, encouraged by medical professionals to prevent conditions such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and in general weak pelvic floor muscles.
Weakness of the pelvic floor can be hereditary or can be caused from a range of factors. Obesity, pregnancy, low oestrogen levels, menopause, Pelvic organ prolapse, laxity of the pelvic floor muscles are to name a few reasons why the pelvic floor needs extra attention.
Dr Arnold was a brilliant gyaneacologist in his time and has opened the path for many to follow his good work in his footsteps.
Dr Bruce Crawford OBYGYN
Founder of Pfilates program
One gynaecologist in Nevada who has excelled in his work not only as a brilliant gyaneacologist but as a compassionate man who understands the needs of women who suffer with pelvic organ dysfunction of any kind. Dr Bruce Crawford MD understands the importance of helping women solve conditions such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse etc.
For many women these conditions are demoralising and often have a negative impact on the quality of life. Many women find themselves becoming more and more introverted due to issues such as incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
When they do pick up the courage to speak to a doctor, they are kept waiting for months (sometimes in pain) before they get to see a gyaneacologist to find out what the cause of the problem actually is. Many women don’t want to have surgery and are too frightened to seek medical help because they think that is all there is left for them.
Physiotherapy treatment is an excellent way to start the pelvic floor rehabilitation process. We found from a survey of 150 women in the United Kingdom, those who spoke to their physiotherapist felt reassured and completely comfortable with opening up their feelings. The physiotherapist took time to explain everything of the ‘hows and why’s of the pelvic floor. (GPs in the UK often don’t have the time to speak to their patients, and as patients don’t see incontinence or pelvic floor issues as a life threatening problem many don’t seek help as they ‘don’t want to bother the doctor’.
Out of the 150 women who did seek physiotherapy help 78% were found to have not known how to do a kegel exercise correctly before seeing the physiotherapist. Are you doing your pelvic floor exercises correctly?
Dr Bruce Crawford develops Pfilates (the only exercise program with clinical studies)
Pfilates is a program of neuromuscular conditioning based on extensive EMG recordings taken from the pelvic floor. Pfilates was created by an American Urogynecologist to provide a method of home pelvic floor fitness training accessible to a broad population.
Pelvic floor disorders are absolutely epidemic. Stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, female sexual dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence are so commonplace they are often regarded as the inevitable consequences of childbirth and aging. When these conditions are treated they are to often regarded as purely mechanical disorders requiring a surgical solution. Although trained as a surgeon I have come to regard these disorders as principally neuromuscular disorders deserving of a neuromuscular solution.
It is clear that programs of pelvic floor neuromuscular rehabilitation successfully improve pelvic floor symptoms. Such programs typically involve a set schedule of isometric pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises) that must be continued long term. It is also clearly established that very few women will continue to perform this type of isometric exercises for an extended period of time.
In creating the Pfilates program we have ventured to provide a plyometric (movement oriented) method of pelvic floor exercise that could be incorporated in to any regular fitness routine. Our neuromuscular research reveals that movements which engage the external hip rotators, adductors of the thigh, transverses abdominals, and gluteal muscles also facilitate, or induce, a pelvic floor contraction. This information has proven especially useful for women unable to perform an isolated voluntary pelvic floor contraction.
The Pfilates program is a simple program consisting of ten movements presented in the same order in three different phases (beginning, intermediate, and advanced). Each of the Pfilates movements includes a series of repetitions followed by a hold phase and a pulse phase at the point of peak engagement of the pelvic floor. As such these movements encourage the development of the three essential elements of neuromuscular performance: strength, endurance, and coordination. The Pfilates DVD includes a detailed “Learn These Movements” that should be reviewed carefully before beginning any of the ten minute routines.
Pfilates is intended to be preventative but also a therapeutic alternative for those already experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. For patients that have already has surgery Pfilates can help protect the investment and reduce the chance for recurrent symptoms
For more information about Pfilates program contact C&G Medicare Ltd. We are offering the full Pfilates kit which includes 64 minute DVD of Pfilates exercises, 1 full colour manual, 20 cm Pfilates ball, plus a free antibacterial cleaning spray plus a free satin bag to store your kit in. Total value £51.48 we are offering this for just £29.99 at our store www.incoshop.co.uk
We thank one of Australia’s experienced physiotherapists Fiona from pelvicfloorexercise.com.au for allowing us to share her article with you.
C&G Medicare Ltd based in the UK work on raising the awareness about the importance of pelvic floor health for everyone. The founder and CEO Gaynor Morgan works with healthcare professionals in almost every country. She reaches women from all walks of life educating and helping them help themselves to get a better quality of life. A ‘leak free’ life.
Gaynor works and shares ideas with some of the most influential people in the medical field and also in the commercial field. She has worked with the top management of Boots Alliance in the United Kingdom advising how women can get a better pelvic floor strength through very simple steps.
She along with her mother (both ex nurses) invented one of the worlds most effective medical devices. Incostress.
Incostress underwent clinical trials in 2004 at Singleton Hospital under the auspices of lead uro-gyaneacologist Mr Simon Emery. She has also a large clinical trial going on presently at Cardiff University Hospital aimed to be the largest of its kind in Europe.
Incostress is a re-usable medical device which instantly controls involuntary incontinence and allows the user to identify and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. It’s so easy and simple to use, Incostress has been awarded several top prestigious international awards for its design, capabilities and usefulness.
The only medical device to control incontinence and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
IncoStress Gaynor Morgan The answer in the palm of your hand
What is the award winning magazine Women Talking about?
Millions of women experience incontinence, largely due to insufficient strength to the pelvic floor muscles. Some may lose a few drops of urine while running or coughing, while others may feel a strong, sudden urge to urinate just before losing a large amount. Many women experience both symptoms.
Incontinence can be slightly bothersome or totally demoralising and for many women the risk of public embarrassment stops them enjoying many activities and impacts on their quality of life. Additionally urine loss can also occur during sex and cause tremendous emotional distress.
Gaynor Morgan’s mother Carole suffered in silence for years and searching for solutions mother and daughter found help was not readily at hand. As incontinence isn’t deemed a life threatening condition, very little money is spent on research. The most common solution offered for incontinence is pads, which only hide the problem but never solve it. Gaynor and Carole were looking for a more permanent solution.
Gaynor’s story behind the development of reveals experiences and challenges that brought invaluable skills for running her successful company. Born in Bridgend, South Wales, Gaynor’s career has taken her half way around the world and back as the C&G Medicare Ltd headquarters are located in South Wales supplying the UK, Canada and the European market with their products.
Help for women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse is on its way
Pelvic organ prolapse affects millions of women in every single country around the world, yet this is one condition that has remained unspoken about. There is a certain embarrassment around a woman who has any kind of pelvic organ prolapse. That embarrassment leads to breakdown in communication between partners, distress and medical complications if not treated.
Many women are unaware they even have pelvic organ prolapse until it gets to the stage that they know something is drastically wrong with their body.
Fact: More money is spent on marketing a top brand product than on Pelvic Organ Prolapse.
There are different stages of prolapse and a grade 1 the women is unaware she has prolapsed.
There are different types of prolapse ranging from uterine prolapse to rectocele prolaspe.
How do you recognnise the signs? How do you even start to speak about it with your doctor or partner? Who do you turn to for support? Who will even understand what you are going through, after all you are the only one that this has happened to right? WRONG!
APOPS AND APOPS Europe is a non profit organisation set up by found and pelvic organ prolapse surviver Sherrie Palm. Sherrie is also the author of Pelvic Organ Prolapse the silent epidemic and a wonderful advocate for women all over the world suffering in silence.
C&G Medicare ltd look after the APOPS Europe side and work closely with Sherrie ensuring all information is accurate and available for women to contact C&G directly. C&G Medicare speak openly and frankly to women who need help. The team are able to direct women to their nearest womans health clinic and physiotherapist.
What they don’t do is make any diagnosis or assumptions, that is for the doctor. The team at C&G are able to reasure women and offer general advice about pelvic floor issues.
If you have a pelvic organ prolapse you need to read this
Pelvic Organ Prolapse – The Silent Epidemic is a must-read for any woman with urinary or faecal incontinence, chronic constipation, pain with intimacy or tissue bulge, this authoritative book dissects the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) path, leading through the physical, emotional, social and sexual obstacle course of POP diagnosis and treatment.
Written by Sherrie Palm, herself a sufferer of Pelvic Organ Prolapse and founder of APOPS, a global non-profit organisation dedicated to the recognition of the condition. Hardback 130 pages
If you are going in for pelvic organ prolapse surgery, you should read this book first, it gives an honest account of what to expect and how to heal yourself quicker. C&G Medicare Ltd also have a pre surgery sheet they can give you. It asks the relevant questions you wont have to and your doctor simply fills it in or answers you directly. We aim to make the experience as less embarrassing and easier for you the sufferer to deal with as possible.
Share your experiences, ask the doctor, nurse or physiotherapist for advice.
What is the best product I need for my ailment.
Business to business meet up here and start connecting with other businesses and also meet the people who will be using your products. No nonsense honest feedback about your products.
We look forward to seeing you on the C&G Medicare Health Facebook Page or click the link on the right hand side of this blog under C&G Medicare.
Meet the inventor Gaynor Morgan of Incostress the medical device to control female incontinence and strengthen the pelvic floor.
Meet the inventor of Kegel8 the electrical stimulation product to strengthen the pelvic floor.
Meet the top sales director Philippe Ferland of Bell Lifestyle Products a favoured brand of natural health remedies.
Meet the director of AOR D-Mannose – a natural product to help the bladder restore its natural balance and prevent urinary tract infections. D-Mannose is a simple carbohydrate sugar similar in structure to glucose. Research indicates that D-Mannose may help support the health of the urinary tract. Suitable for Vegans, Vegetarians, Children
Meet Roz one of the UKs most sort after PR agents.
Meet the team of Supermum TV, women who have made it to the top but not without a fight or struggle, interact with them and find out how you can avoid the pitfalls of starting a new product, how to get a product to market etc.
Meet self-made authors and share their insights into writing a successful book. We thank Mary O’Dwyer author of Hold It Sister and Hold it Mama, Ms Sherrie Palm author of Pelvic Organ Prolapse the silent epidemic Mr RA Farmer author of his newly launched best-selling thriller ‘The Deconstructing World’ into Brussels, Maastricht and the UK.
C&G Medicare Ltd based in the UK developed a medical device back in 2000. Incostress has been a global success with women who have problems to control incontinence and who have pelvic floor dysfunction.
Incostress won many international awards for its design and efficacy and is well-respected amongst the key opinion leaders in the urology and gynaecology world.
C&G Medicare Ltd has been praised by major companies such as Boots Alliance, Proctor & Gamble, Scotts & Co, House of Bath as well as by the Welsh Assembly Government.
C&G Medicare Ltd will launch an innovation in 2012 set to help even more women.
CEO Gaynor Morgan said our objective is to ensure every woman has a better quality of life. Many suffer in silence when they have anything to do with pelvic floor problems, be it from painful intercourse to bladder issues. We want to offer women an alternative to surgery and help educate society that its ok to recognise you have a health issue but its not ok to ignore it.
This new product we think will be part of every womans daily life. We can’t say much more than that as it is still going through the prototype phase.
We are looking to offer this product as a test trial to women who have just had babies, women who cannot have pelvic floor surgery or who have had surgery and it has failed. We also need women who are active in the sports/aerobic field.
If you are a women in this category and would like to trial our new product please respond to this blog.
Please note that responses to this will NOT be published and you will be contacted. Anyone who participates will have to sign an NDA and will need to fill in the questionnaire to ensure you are a good candidate for this market research.
Have you ever thought of an idea whilst doing something but never carried that idea through? We all have at some stage in our lives.
Your quick quirky idea could be something which could turn you into a dynamic business woman. Creative thinking and determination is all it takes to start the ball rolling. Ask any of these women from Supermum.tv http://supermum.tv/about/
They will all tell you the road is long and difficult, but somewhere along the way, you get your break and it all seems worth it.
Supermum.tv was set up to help women who have an idea to be able to take the step into developing a business. We have the expertise that can guide you and train you.
All of us at supermum.tv at some stage have been down the road where we have looked back and said “If only I had known, I’d have done it differently and saved me a lot of money”.
The supermums are here to help other women from making those same mistakes. We are here to help you get an idea off the ground and here to support each other from things like, calling up Swansea Sound agony aunt Lynda Bevan when things are not so good and all around seems as if there isn’t anywhere to turn. Lynda a trained psychologist has written many self help books available in Waterstones, WH Smith, Amazon and many other outlets. Lynda also runs a charity called Aids Trust Wales. Read more about Lynda on http://supermum.tv/portfolio/lynda-bevan/
Want to learn how to open up a business in the personal trainer area? Then look no further Supermum Tara has all the answers. Tara runs the fitness centre at the Dragon Hotel in Swansea. http://supermum.tv/portfolio/tara-hammett/
Think you have the answer to the next life saving device, then Gaynor Morgan is our Medical device expert and former Welsh Woman of the year in science and technology. http://supermum.tv/portfolio/gaynor-morgan/
Did you know that there are government grants available for your start up business? Do you know how to apply or where to go? If you don’t contact us or like us on facebook, for us to help you help yourself.
More from our Supermums later.
To find out more go to www.supermum.tv and done be selfish, go and pass this to your friends via twitter and facebook. Supermum.tv holds the key to success for you ladies who have the idea but don’t know where to start.
Why do we do what we do? Because we are Supermums.
Last year I lost a dear friend to Cancer she would have been 47 this month. How many more people are going to lose loved ones to this incredibly cruel disease.
Your donations no matter how small will go towards finding a solution and keeping our loved ones with us a little longer. Past donations have helped Cancer Research UK find solutions which prolong life and even have put millions in remission. With your help we can achieve this further.
Julia Gatehouse is running next Wednesday.
She is taking part in the Race for Life 2010 to raise money for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work and would really appreciate your support.
On top of what we have already donated Incostress will donate 0.50p on every order placed with us up until Midnight Thursday 3rd June 2010 when you order using code RFL at our shop on www.incostress.com we are also offering you a discount of 5% off any purchase in our shop when you use the code . Improve your quality of life and help improve others.
Gaynor Morgan CEO C&G Medicare Ltd
All donations are secure and sent to Cancer Research UK. If you are a UK taxpayer, please tick the Gift Aid box. This allows Cancer Research UK to claim at least an extra 25% on your donation from the Government.
Please join me in supporting Race for Life and a great cause.
Does sexual intercourse have an impact of urinary tract infections?
The answer is yes it does !
In women the urethra (the tube which allows the urine to pass from the bladder out of the body) is approximately 4cm long.
Once the engagement of intercourse has commenced it is extremely easy for bacteria to be introduced into the urethra and travel to the bladder.
Sexual intercourse can cause irritation to the urethra making it more susceptible and allows bacteria to travel up the urethra and into the bladder.
You may notice spots of blood when you wipe underneath, which has come from the urthra or bladder.
This can also contribute to painful intercourse.
What can you do about it?
Drink plenty of fluid (water, cranberry or bilberry juice) to flush out the bladder frequently.
Use the bathroom straight after the sexual intercourse so you clean the area which can prevent bladder infections.
Having constant bladder infections is enough to get the most patient woman down. Every time you pass urine its like passing razor blades, as soon as you engage in sexual intercourse already in the back of your mind you will be aware that the next day you will be on the loo crying.
The build up of bacteria inside the bladder affects the whole well being of you. So what do you do, go to the doctor again get yet another prescription of antibiotics and hope for the best. The problem is when the antibiotics start to cause thrush another female problem we tend to “put up and shut up about”. When will it stop??
If you stop having sexual contact with your partner then that causes another set of problems to deal with. The vicious circle which constantly swirls around in your head.
Recommended reading and exercise to deal with not only bladder infections but also how to re train your pelvic floor back into shape allowing you to be a complete woman. Stronger muslces and correct pelvic floor movements = a stronger muscle control, better sex, easier bladder and bowel movements and a healthier body.
The recommendations below have been tried and passed by medical experts worldwide.
Hold It Sister book, written by Mary O’Dwyer – senior physiotherapist in Australia.
An excellent book full of information that can change your life for the better
Pfilates exercises are a medically proven regime
Pfilates was created by American Urogynaecologist Dr Bruce Crawford. The Pfilates kit is now available in Europe sold through C&G Medicare Ltd. C&G Medicare Ltd are based in The United Kingdom and promote Pfilates throughout Europe demonstrating to medical professionals and women who do not want to take surgery or drugs to correct urge or stress incontinence.
Pfilates is a program of neuromuscular conditioning based on extensive EMG recordings taken from the pelvic floor. Pfilates was created to provide a method of home pelvic floor fitness training accessible to a broad population.
Pelvic floor disorders are absolutely epidemic. Stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, female sexual dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence are so commonplace they are often regarded as the inevitable consequences of childbirth and aging. When these conditions are treated they are to often regarded as purely mechanical disorders requiring a surgical solution. Although trained as a surgeon I have come to regard these disorders as principally neuromuscular disorders deserving of a neuromuscular solution.
It is clear that programs of pelvic floor neuromuscular rehabilitation successfully improve pelvic floor symptoms. Such programs typically involve a set schedule of isometric pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises) that must be continued long term. It is also clearly established that very few women will continue to perform this type of isometric exercises for an extended period of time.
In creating the Pfilates program we have ventured to provide a plyometric (movement oriented) method of pelvic floor exercise that could be incorporated in to any regular fitness routine. Our neuromuscular research reveals that movements which engage the external hip rotators, adductors of the thigh, transverses abdominals, and gluteal muscles also facilitate, or induce, a pelvic floor contraction. This information has proven especially useful for women unable to perform an isolated voluntary pelvic floor contraction.
The Pfilates program is a simple program consisting of ten movements presented in the same order in three different phases (beginning, intermediate, and advanced). Each of the Pfilates movements includes a series of repetitions followed by a hold phase and a pulse phase at the point of peak engagement of the pelvic floor. As such these movements encourage the development of the three essential elements of neuromuscular performance: strength, endurance, and coordination. The Pfilates DVD includes a detailed “Learn These Movements” that should be reviewed carefully before beginning any of the ten minute routines.
Pfilates is intended to be preventative but also a therapeutic alternative for those already experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. For patients that have already has surgery Pfilates can help protect the investment and reduce the chance for recurrent symptoms.
IncoStress 
Gaynor Morgan 
The answer in the palm of your hand
Healthy Solutions 
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