20. Pelvic Health 101: What Every Woman Should Know About Leaking, Pain, Prolapse & Pregnancy with Shalini Wiseman

In this episode of The Wellness Script, pharmacist and host Lauren O’Reilly sits down with Shalini Wiseman, pelvic health physiotherapist, for a practical, eye-opening conversation about the part of women’s health so many of us were never properly taught: the pelvic floor.From leaking when you laugh, run or jump, to painful sex, recurrent UTIs, prolapse, pregnancy preparation and menopause-related changes, Shalini explains why pelvic health is not just a “post-baby” issue - and why the answer is not always more Kegels.This episode will help you understand what your pelvic floor actually does, when to seek help, what happens at a pelvic health physio appointment, and how breathing, posture, sport, childbirth and hormones can all affect pelvic health over time.If you’ve ever wondered whether leaking is “normal”, whether painful sex is something you just have to put up with, or what you should do before and after pregnancy to support your body, this conversation is for you.This episode is brought to you in partnership with two incredible sponsors: Elave - gentle, fragrance-free skincare developed for sensitive skin, made in Ireland by the Gardiner Family Apothecary. Discover the full range at ⁠www.elaveskincare.com⁠ and use code WELLNESS for 20% off your order.Otosan - a trusted range of natural solutions for the whole family, across nose, throat and ear care. From seasonal support for hay fever and travel to the wider family range, Otosan is available in health stores and pharmacies nationwide. Explore the full range at https://https://www.naturalmedicine.ie/stockist-locatorIn this episode, Lauren and Shalini cover:🔥 Why pelvic health physiotherapy is still under-discussed, even among healthcare professionals🏃‍♀️ How sport, gymnastics, ballet, GAA and constant “core engagement” can contribute to pelvic floor tightness💨 The connection between breathing, the diaphragm and the pelvic floor - and why relaxation matters as much as strength🚽 What incontinence can look like, from leaking with sneezing or running to urgency and bowel symptoms🤰 Why Shalini recommends thinking about pelvic health before pregnancy, not just after birth🧘‍♀️ The role of perineal massage, pelvic floor relaxation and birth preparation from around 35 weeks👩‍⚕️ What actually happens at a pelvic health physio appointment, including why an internal assessment can be so helpful💬 Why painful sex is not something women should simply accept or push through🔄 How prolapse, pessaries and structural support can help women stay active — from CrossFit to running to farming🌸 How perimenopause and menopause can affect pelvic tissue, recurrent UTIs, incontinence and prolapseDisclaimer: This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Always seek the advice of a healthcare professional if you have a health concern.📌 Resources & LinksGuest: Shalini WisemanProfession: Pelvic Health PhysiotherapistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pelvic_health_programs/Find a pelvic health physiotherapist in Ireland: https://www.iscp.ie/find-a-physioMentioned in this episode:YES Organic Lubricants — good quality lubricant options discussed in the context of painful sex and menopause.AniBall / Epi-No — birth preparation tools discussed alongside perineal massage.Vaginal oestrogen/local oestrogen — discussed for menopausal tissue changes, recurrent UTIs and pelvic health; speak to your GP, pharmacist or menopause specialist.Pessaries — discussed as structural support for prolapse, leaking and high-impact activity; assessment and fitting are important.