Western Women's and Men's Health

Western Women's and Men's Health Western Women’s and Men’s Health provides expert and professional care to help both men and women for their pelvic floor concerns

April is Adenomyosis Awareness Month 💛Adenomyosis affects many women and people assigned female at birth, yet it often g...
28/04/2026

April is Adenomyosis Awareness Month 💛

Adenomyosis affects many women and people assigned female at birth, yet it often goes unrecognised or misunderstood. It can cause symptoms such as:-

✨ significant pelvic pain
✨ heavy or prolonged periods
✨bloating
✨fatigue
✨painful in*******se

and therefore can significantly impact quality of life

Awareness matters — because earlier recognition can lead to better support, treatment, and validation for those living with symptoms.

At Western Women's Men's Health, pelvic health physiotherapists Urvi Shelar and Jacqui Bate, are passionate about supporting people with persistent pelvic pain and helping raise awareness of conditions like adenomyosis.

Pelvic health care can play an important role in symptom management, improving function, and supporting wellbeing.

As we approach the end of April, let’s continue the conversation, reduce stigma, and advocate for those living with adenomyosis. You deserve to be heard. 💛

P elvic health is for Pelvic health is for  .Pelvic floor physiotherapy plays an important role in supporting transgende...
21/04/2026

P elvic health is for Pelvic health is for .

Pelvic floor physiotherapy plays an important role in supporting transgender and gender diverse individuals across different stages of their healthcare journey. From managing bladder and bowel symptoms to supporting recovery after gender affirming surgery, these concerns are real, valid, and often under-discussed.

Creating inclusive healthcare spaces is not just about treatment. It is about listening, using respectful language, and ensuring every person feels safe and supported in their care.

As physiotherapists, our role extends beyond the physical. We aim to provide evidence-based, trauma-informed care that respects each individual’s experience and goals.

If you or someone you know could benefit from pelvic health support, know that help is available in a safe and respectful environment.

📍 Western Women’s and Men’s Health
📞 03 9749 5110
🌐 wwmh.com.au

Why does visibility in healthcare matter?For many transgender and gender diverse individuals, accessing healthcare is no...
15/04/2026

Why does visibility in healthcare matter?

For many transgender and gender diverse individuals, accessing healthcare is not always straightforward. Fear of discrimination, lack of provider awareness, and previous negative experiences can lead to delays in seeking care or avoiding healthcare altogether.

These barriers can have real consequences, including delayed diagnosis, unmanaged symptoms, and reduced overall wellbeing.

As healthcare providers, creating visible, inclusive and respectful environments plays an important role in changing this. When individuals feel safe, acknowledged and understood, they are more likely to seek help early and engage in their care.

In physiotherapy, this means listening without assumptions, using respectful language, and ensuring that care is tailored to each individual’s needs and experiences.

Visibility is not only about awareness. It is about improving access, trust and health outcomes.

Creating safer healthcare spaces starts with awareness and small, meaningful changes in practice.















Gender-affirming care in physiotherapy goes beyond treatment techniques. It is about creating an environment where indiv...
11/04/2026

Gender-affirming care in physiotherapy goes beyond treatment techniques. It is about creating an environment where individuals feel safe, respected and supported throughout their healthcare journey.

For many transgender and gender diverse individuals, accessing healthcare can be associated with anxiety due to past negative experiences, lack of understanding from providers, or fear of discrimination. As physiotherapists, we have a responsibility to ensure that our practice is inclusive, respectful and patient-centred.

This starts with simple but meaningful steps such as using correct names and pronouns, avoiding assumptions about anatomy or identity, and providing clear, open communication throughout assessment and treatment.

Inclusive intake forms are also an important part of this process. By allowing individuals to share their gender identity, preferred name and pronouns, we create a more welcoming and respectful first point of contact. Small changes in documentation can have a significant impact on patient comfort and trust.

Trauma-informed care is equally important. This involves recognising that some individuals may have experienced discomfort, distress or discrimination in healthcare settings. Taking time to explain procedures, obtain consent and allow patient control during assessments can help create a safer and more supportive experience.

At Western Women’s and Men’s Health, we are committed to providing care that is inclusive, respectful and tailored to each individual.

Healthcare should feel safe for everyone. If you are unsure where to start, speaking with a pelvic health physiotherapist can help guide you through your options in a supportive environment.













Transgender pelvic health is an important part of overall wellbeing.Pelvic floor physiotherapy can play a key role in su...
07/04/2026

Transgender pelvic health is an important part of overall wellbeing.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can play a key role in supporting transgender and gender diverse individuals through different stages of their health journey.

Many concerns are under-discussed, yet they can significantly impact comfort, function and quality of life.

Pelvic health physiotherapy may help with:

• Pelvic pain
• Bladder symptoms such as urgency, frequency or leakage
• Bowel dysfunction
• Post-surgical rehabilitation following gender-affirming procedures
• Dilation programs following vaginoplasty
• Sexual pain or discomfort
• Pelvic floor coordination and relaxation

Care is always individualised and guided by your goals, your body and your experience.

Creating a safe, respectful and informed space is essential to ensure that everyone feels comfortable accessing care and discussing sensitive concerns.

At Western Women’s and Men’s Health, we are committed to providing inclusive and evidence-based pelvic health care for all individuals.

If you have questions about pelvic health, pain, or recovery following surgery, speaking with a qualified pelvic health physiotherapist can be a helpful first















Reintroducing your physiotherapists at Western Women’s and Men’s HealthUrvi Shelar (she/her) and Jacqueline Bate (she/he...
02/04/2026

Reintroducing your physiotherapists at Western Women’s and Men’s Health

Urvi Shelar (she/her) and Jacqueline Bate (she/her) are senior physiotherapists with special interest committed to providing respectful, inclusive and evidence-based care across women’s, men’s and gender diverse health.

Together, we support a wide range of conditions including pelvic pain, bladder and bowel dysfunction, pregnancy and postnatal recovery, pelvic floor rehabilitation, core dysfunction, and complex musculoskeletal concerns. Our approach focuses on education, movement rehabilitation, and creating a safe space for all individuals to access care confidently.
Urvi has a special interest in complex pelvic pain, vaginismus, dyspareunia, endometriosis, men’s health, post-prostatectomy rehabilitation, and transgender pelvic health including dilation programs and post gender-affirming care.

Jacqueline has a special interest in pelvic health, pregnancy and postnatal care, lymphoedema management, and delivering informed, patient-centred care for individuals with sensitive and complex health concerns.

At Western Women’s and Men’s Health, we believe healthcare should be inclusive, respectful and accessible to everyone.

If you are experiencing pelvic health concerns, pain, bladder or bowel symptoms, or need support with recovery, our team is here to help.

Western Women’s and Men’s Health
Hoppers Crossing

Urvi Shelar or Jacqueline Bate
0397495110
wwmh.com.au













March 31 marks International Transgender Day of Visibility, a day dedicated to celebrating transgender and gender divers...
30/03/2026

March 31 marks International Transgender Day of Visibility, a day dedicated to celebrating transgender and gender diverse individuals while also raising awareness of the challenges many still face in accessing healthcare.

Transgender is an umbrella term used for people whose gender identity differs from the s*x assigned to them at birth. Individuals may identify as trans men, trans women, non-binary or gender diverse.

Despite increasing awareness, many transgender individuals continue to experience barriers to healthcare, including fear of discrimination, lack of knowledgeable providers and previous negative medical experiences. As healthcare professionals, creating respectful and inclusive clinical environments is essential to ensure people feel safe seeking care.

Pelvic health physiotherapy can play an important role in supporting transgender and gender diverse individuals with concerns such as pelvic pain, bladder or bowel symptoms, s*xual pain, and rehabilitation following gender affirming procedures. These issues are often under-discussed but can have a significant impact on quality of life.

Healthcare should be accessible, respectful and inclusive for everyone.
If you have questions about pelvic health, intimate pain, or pelvic floor concerns, speaking with a qualified pelvic health physiotherapist can be a helpful first step.












Endometriosis Requires the Right TeamSurgery alone is rarely the complete solution.Endometriosis affects more than the p...
29/03/2026

Endometriosis Requires the Right Team
Surgery alone is rarely the complete solution.

Endometriosis affects more than the pelvis.
It affects work, relationships, energy, mood and quality of life.

A supportive primary care provider should:

• take your pain seriously
• investigate appropriately
• understand referral pathways
• coordinate multidisciplinary care
• consider hormonal and non-hormonal options
• screen for mental health impact

But medical management is only one part.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is common in endometriosis and often overlooked.

Frequently present:

• pelvic floor overactivity
• painful in*******se
• constipation
• incomplete emptying
• bladder urgency
• myofascial trigger points
• abdominal wall dysfunction post-laparoscopy

Pelvic health physiotherapy may include:

• internal pelvic assessment
• down-training before strengthening
• scar tissue mobilisation
• breath retraining
• bowel and bladder retraining
• graded loading
• pain modulation strategies

The right team helps you move from survival to management.

















Understanding EndometriosisKnowledge reduces fear.Many women live with endometriosis for years before diagnosis.Common m...
22/03/2026

Understanding Endometriosis
Knowledge reduces fear.

Many women live with endometriosis for years before diagnosis.

Common misconceptions:

• “Severe period pain is normal.”
• “You will grow out of it.”
• “Pregnancy will fix it.”

Education should include:

• understanding flare patterns
• pain science
• bowel involvement
• pelvic floor contribution
• pacing activity
• when to escalate care

When a woman understands her pain, she regains control.

Fear amplifies pain.
Clarity reduces it.
















Endometriosis PainIt is not “all in your head.”Endometriosis pain is complex.It may involve:• inflammatory pain• neuropa...
18/03/2026

Endometriosis Pain
It is not “all in your head.”

Endometriosis pain is complex.

It may involve:

• inflammatory pain
• neuropathic pain
• central sensitisation
• myofascial trigger points
• pelvic floor overactivity

Pain modulation strategies may include:

• breath work
• vagal stimulation techniques
• TENS
• pelvic floor down-training
• graded exposure
• heat therapy
• pacing strategies

When pain has been present for years, the nervous system becomes protective.

Treatment must address both tissue and nervous system.
















The Right DietDiet will not cure endometriosis. But it can influence inflammation.Endometriosis is an inflammatory condi...
16/03/2026

The Right Diet

Diet will not cure endometriosis. But it can influence inflammation.

Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition.

The right diet focuses on:
• Reducing inflammatory load
• Supporting bowel regularity
• Stabilising blood sugar
• Managing bloating

Common areas to explore:
• Fibre balance
• Iron support
• Reducing highly processed foods
• Identifying personal trigger foods

If bowel dysfunction is present, pelvic floor tension often increases.

Gut and pelvic floor work together.

Collaboration between your GP, dietitian and pelvic health physio creates better outcomes.

Endometriosis and exercise do not cancel each other out.The key is not “more exercise.”It is the right exercise.With end...
10/03/2026

Endometriosis and exercise do not cancel each other out.

The key is not “more exercise.”
It is the right exercise.

With endometriosis, the pelvic floor is often overactive, not weak. High-intensity training without proper control can worsen pain, bladder urgency and abdominal tension.

The right exercise approach includes:
• Pelvic floor downtraining
• Breath-led core work
• Graded strength training
• Low-impact conditioning during flare phases
• Mobility work for hips and thorax

Exercise should regulate your nervous system, not irritate it.

If movement increases your pelvic pain, bladder symptoms or post-exercise fatigue, it needs modification.

Pelvic health physiotherapy helps you train without flaring.

Call 03 9749 5110
wwmh.com.au

Address

1 Woodville Park Drive
Hoppers Crossing, VIC
3029

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 8:30pm
Tuesday 7am - 8:30pm
Wednesday 7am - 8:30pm
Thursday 7am - 8:30pm
Friday 7am - 7:30pm
Saturday 7am - 1pm

Telephone

+61380012044

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