Can a pelvic floor trainer that turns Kegels into a video game actually work? In this episode of TMI Tuesdays, pelvic health physiotherapists Lauren & Di review the Perifit smart pelvic floor trainer. We break down the research behind biofeedback pelvic floor devices, how the Perifit compares to other pelvic floor trainers, real client pros and cons, and when pelvic health PTs actually recommend it in clinical practice. If you're wondering whether the Perifit is worth it for pelvic floor strengthening, this episode is for you.

From a young age, many dancers are praised for being disciplined, lean, and flexible, but behind that aesthetic often lies a very different story. Alex shares her experience both inside the dance world and now as a clinician, shedding light on the rates of pelvic floor dysfunction in nulliparous dancers, the impact of cueing and breath patterns on core and pelvic health, and why so many issues go unnoticed for years.

They dive into the bigger picture too: the lack of periodization in training, the evolution from RED-S to RED-D, chronic underfuelling, body image pressures, and the normalization of overuse injuries in dance. This conversation connects the dots between performance culture and long-term health, and challenges some of the narratives that are still deeply ingrained in the industry.

Whether you’re a dancer, a former dancer, or just someone interested in women’s health, this episode offers a fresh, honest look at what’s really going on beneath the surface.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why up to 30% of nulliparous dancers experience pelvic floor issues
• How common cueing strategies can contribute to dysfunction
• The shift from RED-S to RED-D and what it means
• Underfuelling, overtraining, and hormonal health
• Body image, pressure, and performance culture
• Why pain and injuries are often normalized in dance

If you're interested in connecting with Alex you can find her on instagram @tidalmotionphysio or send her an email: Alex@tidalmotionphysio.ca.

At the height of her athletic life, an MVA turned everything upside down — launching a 13-year journey through chronic pain that eventually shaped her entire clinical practice. Dasha is deeply passionate about chronic pain in women's health and brings a refreshingly honest lens to why the system still gets it wrong, what makes women's pain unique, and the approaches she uses that actually move the needle.

Do you pee just in case before leaving the house? Always scouting out the nearest bathroom? You’re not alone. In this episode, we break down what overactive bladder (OAB) really is, why it happens, and what you can actually do about it (cutting coffee and spicy food doesn't usually do the trick!). We also dive into pregnancy and postpartum bladder changes, including why urgency and frequency often show up during pregnancy and what parts of it are actually modifiable.

Endometriosis affects roughly 1 in 10 women, yet the average time to diagnosis is still 6–10 years. In this episode, Lauren breaks down what endometriosis actually is, why painful periods are often dismissed for years, and how hormonal birth control can sometimes mask symptoms early on.

She also discusses the new clinical guidance around endometriosis diagnosis, which is shifting away from requiring surgery for confirmation and toward earlier clinical diagnosis and multidisciplinary care.

You’ll also learn about:
• the different types of endometriosis• common symptoms and why they extend beyond the pelvis• the role of central sensitization and overlapping conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome• why surgical treatment is sometimes controversial• what factors can worsen or improve symptoms• and how pelvic health physiotherapy can play an important role in managing pain and improving quality of life

Painful periods may be common but they should never be ignored.

After navigating two kids under two during a pandemic and 18 years with the same partner, Autumn turned her personal experience into a professional mission: helping couples stay connected while raising tiny humans.

Lauren and Autumn dive into the very real changes that happen to intimacy after babies, including:

• Why sex and desire often change postpartum

• The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire

• How pelvic pain and physical recovery affect intimacy

• The impact of the mental load and household labor distribution on relationships

• Why many couples struggle during the early parenting years

• Practical ways couples can rebuild connection and feel like a team again

Autumn shares insights from her work leading couples retreats, workshops, and courses, as well as running a group therapy practice on Vancouver Island dedicated to helping partners reconnect.

In this solo episode, I’m speaking directly to athletic women who train hard, compete, lift, run, and still deal with leaking,.

We break down what the latest research shows about pelvic floor dysfunction in female athletes, why high-impact training increases risk, and why this is not simply a “weakness” issue. I explain the role of load, fatigue, biomechanics, energy availability, and pressure management — and most importantly, what you can actually do about it.

If you’ve ever wondered why you leak during double unders, feel pressure on downhills, or don’t fully trust your core under load, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we unpack the truth about sweat and BO. Is sweat actually the problem? Does natural deodorant really work? And what is “detoxing” armpits? Ada shares the science behind body odour, the common misconceptions around natural deodorant, and how formulation truly matters.

We also dive into the evolution of Nala’s Breast Oil, how the product came to life, and why intentional touch can be a powerful act of self-connection. We explore the shame many of us carry about our armpits, our breasts, and our body parts in general, and how reframing care as self-love rather than vanity can shift everything.

Ada also shares the deeply personal story behind Nala Care. The company was founded in memory of her father and her mother’s husband, Alan, who passed away from cancer. What began as a family project became a mission-driven brand grounded in love, resilience, and thoughtful care.

Use the code TMITUESDAYS for 20% off any of Nala Care's products at checkout.

@nalacare

www.nalacare.com

In this episode, we unpack jump rope or skipping and the big misconceptions and fears around it. We talk about why so many women feel hesitant to jump, how jump rope is often taught in ways that can feel intimidating, and why double unders are actually a skill with progressions, not something you should just be thrown into. We also explore how jump rope, when approached intentionally, can support knee health, pelvic floor function, and even bone density rather than harming them.

You can find Jacqueline on Instagram at @jumping_jacqz and learn more about the community at meetup.com/jump-rope-vancouver.

In this solo episode of TMI Tuesdays, Lauren breaks down the evidence on antenatal perineal massage, including what the research says, who it may benefit most, and what it does not guarantee.

We explore why perineal massage works less as a physical stretch and more as a form of nervous system training, how fear and guarding can influence pelvic floor response, and why technique, breath, and safety matter more than force.

You’ll also learn:

• when to start perineal massage and how often (based on the evidence)

• how to approach it using fingers, a partner, or a pelvic wand

• why improper teaching can make it uncomfortable or counterproductive

• the real risk profile and when it may not be appropriate

• how this approach overlaps with pelvic pain, painful intercourse, and pap test discomfort

Bita shares her background training as a midwife in Iran, where midwifery involves years of formal education, extensive hands-on birth requirements, and close collaboration with OB specialists. We compare how birth and postpartum care are approached there versus in Canada, and why she ultimately chose to focus on wraparound prenatal and postpartum support instead of pursuing midwifery here.

We dive into the role of night nurses, nannies, and allied care, and why supporting the mother first is not selfish, even when it feels controversial. Bita also shares her top three pieces of advice for new moms navigating the early postpartum period.

This episode is an honest conversation about safety, systems, self-care, and why taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your baby.

Join us for a real, unfiltered look at the challenges and transitions of motherhood, with insights that many women can relate to.

We break down what happens to hormones, muscle and bone through perimenopause, menopause and beyond, and why strength training is non-negotiable in this stage of life. Serena walks us through health-based training for beginners, how to build confidence with weights, and where Pilates and tools like weighted vests fit may fit into a well-rounded routine.

Liza bridges the gap between the medical and emotional sides of fertility care, helping patients feel supported, informed, and empowered whether they’re conceiving naturally or through assisted pathways.

We cover the essentials that actually matter when you’re TTC: how to track your menstrual cycle and ovulation without losing your mind, when to seek fertility screening, and why male-factor fertility makes up half the equation. Liza also shares evidence-informed insights on fertility nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle habits, plus how conditions like age, PCOS, endometriosis, and thyroid dysfunction can influence outcomes.

If you’re planning to conceive now or someday, or you support clients who are, this is your go-to crash course in fertility foundations.

She breaks down some anatomy, common causes of coccyx pain (from falls to childbirth to posture to pelvic floor tension), and how to know when it’s more than just a bruise.

Di shares practical, accessible strategies you can start today, including posture tweaks, cushions, pelvic floor relaxation, and when to consider seeking pelvic physiotherapy.
If you're dealing with ongoing tailbone pain and aren’t sure where to start, chat with a pelvic floor physio!

They cover the history of this technology and these companies, how it actually works and what the research says (and doesn’t say).

You’ll hear their unfiltered take as pelvic floor physiotherapists on:• The science behind electromagnetic stimulation• Who might benefit—and who might not• What real clients are saying• And the pros, cons, and price tag of turning your rehab into a spa day

From groundbreaking evidence on pelvic pain treatment and menopause management to the fight against health misinformation, this episode explores how women’s health is evolving—and where we still need to do better.

Lauren unpacks key takeaways from the first-ever Physiotherapy Forum, including new research supporting multimodal care for pelvic pain, updates on pessary management, and the use of real-time ultrasound for pelvic floor training and bladder assessment.

You’ll also hear highlights from Timothy Caulfield’s keynote on misinformation—why false health claims spread six times faster than facts, how 75 percent of articles online are shared without being read, and what clinicians can do to help patients think critically before they click.

Finally, Lauren closes with powerful reflections on global women’s health, including Professor Ajay Rane’s emotional ABLE Lecture on obstetric fistula prevention and the ongoing fight for equitable access to care around the world—a talk that earned him a standing ovation.

References:

Advanced Science News. (2023, April 10). Study finds 75% of Facebook links are shared without clicking or reading. https://www.advancedsciencenews.com

Caulfield, T. (2025, October). Health misinformation and evidence translation [Keynote lecture]. AUGA PFD Week 2025.

Callaghan, T., et al. (2022). Trends in U.S. physician beliefs about vaccine safety. Vaccine, 40(11), 1589–1597.

Centers for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP). (2023, November 7). U.S. survey reveals growing distrust of vaccines and embrace of untruths. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu

Fitzgerald, J. (2025, October). Female bladder pain syndrome: Redefining phenotype and treatment algorithm [Conference presentation]. AUGA PFD Week 2025.

Lord, M.-J. (2025, October). Pessary management in pelvic health [Workshop presentation]. AUGA PFD Week 2025.

Morin, M., et al. (2021). Multimodal physical therapy versus topical lidocaine for provoked vestibulodynia. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 224(2), 189.e1–189.e12.

Rane, A. (2025, October). Obstetric fistula prevention and global pelvic health equity [ABLE Lecture]. AUGA PFD Week 2025.

Santoro, N., et al. (2023). Safety of low-dose vaginal estrogen: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Menopause, 30(4), 455–463.

Solomon, W., et al. (2024). To contract or not to contract: Pelvic floor muscle exercises for dyspareunia. Journal of Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy, 135, 10–26.

Starzec-Proserpio, M., et al. (2025). Effectiveness of nonpharmacological conservative therapies for chronic pelvic pain in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 232(1), 42–71.

van der Linden, S., et al. (2023). Prebunking interventions to build resilience against misinformation. Nature Human Behaviour, 7(4), 529–541.

Vosoughi, S., et al. (2018). The spread of true and false news online. Science, 359(6380), 1146–1151.

World Health Organization. (2023, August 10). Obstetric fistula: Key facts. https://www.who.int

In this episode, we break down what to look for when choosing a provider, questions to ask before booking, and how to find the right fit for your body, goals, and comfort level.

Painful sex, aka dyspareunia, is more common than you think. In fact, up to 35% of women will experience it at some point in their lives. But here’s the thing: most don’t talk about it. Whether it’s burning, stinging, tightness, or deep internal pain, many people feel too embarrassed or ashamed to bring it up, even with their healthcare providers.

In this episode, Lauren and Di dive into why sex can hurt, what’s not normal, and what might be going on beneath the surface. From pelvic floor tension to endometriosis, birth trauma to psychological factors, we cover the many root causes, because it’s rarely “just in your head.”

She unpacks the messy, often painful history of women’s health care across cultures, from ancient myths of the “wandering womb” to modern medical inequities. Lauren shares her personal journey into autonomy, reflects on why so many women are still silenced or dismissed, and shines a light on global issues like maternal health disparities, female genital mutilation, abortion access, period poverty, and more.

This episode is part history lesson, part rally cry, and a reminder that women’s health isn’t just a “women’s issue.” It’s a human rights issue.

TW: This episode includes sensitive topics like medical trauma, abortion, FGM, and maternal mortality.

We cover:

• What urge incontinence actually is (it’s not just a small bladder or too much coffee)

• Common triggers like keys in the door, running water, cold air, and anxiety

• Why “just in case” peeing could be making the problem worse, not better

• Real-life treatment strategies we use in clinic, from urge suppression to bladder retraining to calming the nervous system

• Why Kegels aren’t always the hero, and what to try instead

• Listener Q&A: Does peeing more often help prevent leaks? (Hint: no.)

• And this week’s WTFact: Did you know some people sneeze when they get turned on? Welcome to the weird world of sexually-induced sneezing.

Plus, a TMI bladder fact and a reminder that your bladder is trainable. You don’t have to live in fear of leaks, or feel like you need to map out every public toilet in town.

We cover:

• What Uresta is and how it works

• What the research says (spoiler: it’s promising)

• Lauren’s personal trial

• Real-world feedback from clients and Amazon

• How it stacks up against other options like Impressa, Contiform, and pessaries

• Who it’s great for… and who it maybe isn't

Whether you're postpartum, perimenopausal, or just plain tired of packing a pad to CrossFit, this one's for you.

Whether you’re leaking during workouts, laugh attacks, or on your way home from work, this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen in and learn:

• Why some kegels help… and others make things worse

• What “The Knack” is and how it can save your sneeze

• Our top tools for urge suppression and bladder retraining

• Why “just in case” peeing might be messing with your bladder

• And how to actually talk about it without shame

We break down:

-The gastrocolic reflex—why that post-coffee poop is legit

-How to breathe your poop out without bearing down like you're giving birth

-Stretches that support digestion and help get things moving

-The AIRBAG acronym for proper pooping posture

Plus: we answer audience questions like “When should I actually see a pelvic floor physio postpartum?”

And don’t miss Di’s hilariously mortifying story about chugging poop tea and almost pooping her pants on the Brooklyn Bridge.

This episode is for women AND men—because everybody poops, and most people are doing it wrong.

We debut our first WTFact segment (the clit is WILD), break down what the pelvic floor actually is, and go over signs that things might be going a little haywire down there. Plus, we tackle a few juicy questions from the audience.

If you’ve ever thought “Is this too much information?” — trust us, it’s not. You’re in the right place.