128: Leaking Isn’t Normal: Pelvic Floor Health, Surgery & the Mesh Debate

Pelvic floor problems affect a huge number of women, yet many suffer in silence, unsure what’s normal and what isn’t. In this episode, we’re joined by Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and urogynaecology specialist Breffini Anglim O'Regan to break down everything you need to know about pelvic floor health, from prolapse and urinary incontinence to the real impact of pregnancy, childbirth, and ageing. We explore the full range of treatment options, from physiotherapy and pessaries to surgical interventions, including a clear and balanced look at the mesh surgery controversy, what it is, why it was widely used, what went wrong for some women, and why it is still being used in other countries but not in Ireland. We also unpack why leakage is not something women should just “put up with,” the role of vaginal estrogen and why it is often misunderstood, how to know when to seek help, and what questions to ask before considering surgery, with the aim of giving women clear, evidence-based information so they can make informed decisions about their own bodies without fear, stigma, or misinformation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices