Navigating Pelvic Pain Together

Good Morning! ☀️

In This Issue: We're diving into important topics in women's health, from major funding initiatives to personal stories and new research. Here's what you'll find:

• Melinda Gates’ $250M Fund Tackles Global Women’s Health: Learn how this significant investment aims to address health inequities and expand support for reproductive rights.

• Billie Eilish and Her Battle with Chronic Pain: The singer opens up about living with chronic pain and hypermobility, sharing her struggles and resilience.

• Endometriosis Diagnosis Disparities: New research highlights racial and LGBTQ+ disparities in diagnosing endometriosis and its impact on daily life.

• Preparing for a Hysterectomy with Pelvic Physical Therapy: Discover why pelvic PT is crucial for surgery preparation and recovery.

• Latest Podcast Episodes: Tune in for expert insights on navigating chronic pelvic pain, understanding bladder health myths, and exploring the link between trauma and pelvic pain.

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📣 The Latest News 

Melinda Gates’ $250M Fund Tackles Global Women’s Health

Melinda French Gates is expanding her $1 billion initiative for women's rights with a new $250 million fund, "Action for Women's Health," aimed at improving women's mental and physical health. Through her organization Pivotal Ventures, the fund seeks to address long-standing health inequities that impact women's daily lives and future opportunities. French Gates emphasizes the need for better funding and support for organizations tackling women's health issues, particularly in light of recent legal changes affecting reproductive rights in the U.S.

Read more about the fund and its impact here.

Billie Eilish and her Chronic Pain

Billie Eilish revealed in a recent Vogue interview that she's been battling chronic pain since age 9, stemming from physical injuries related to her hypermobility. The 22-year-old Grammy winner shared that the pain has led to "really dark times" on tour, and she has struggled to accept that it’s a lifelong condition. Eilish has also been open about living with Tourette’s syndrome, raising awareness about her experiences with both conditions.

Read more about Billie Eilish's journey here.

Study Highlights Disparities in Endometriosis Diagnosis and Impact

New research published in the Journal of Endometriosis and Uterine Disorders reveals that more than two-thirds of women with endometriosis in the U.S. have missed work or school due to pain. The study, which examined data from over 17,000 women, found that Black and Hispanic women are significantly less likely to receive a diagnosis compared to white women. Additionally, women who identify as LGBTQ have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed than their heterosexual counterparts. The findings shed light on ongoing disparities in diagnosing and managing this chronic condition.

Read more about the study here.

An Essential Guide to Pelvic Physical Therapy in Hysterectomy Preparation and Recovery

A hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure, and preparing for it involves more than just understanding the surgery itself. Pelvic physical therapy (PT) can play a crucial role in both preoperative preparation and postoperative recovery. Learn more.

Around The World of Women’s Health

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Fempower Health has numerous resources to navigate mental health at all life stages. This includes podcasts, blogs, and resources experts have shared with me over the years.