Women’s Health This International Women’s Day
Saturday 8th March we celebrate International Women’s day. This year’s theme is “Accelerate Action” for gender equality. Accelerate Action is a worldwide call to acknowledge strategies, resources, and activity that positively impact women's advancement, and to support and elevate their implementation.
A big part of celebrating woman is celebrating their health and wellness, supporting each other in the process. Most women are great caregivers to others but have a habit of not being great caregivers to themselves.
Many women experience health challenges such as incontinence, prolapse, bowel problems, pelvic pain, menopause, osteoporosis, and pregnancy-related issues, yet these concerns are often overlooked. This International Women’s Day, take a moment to focus on your health with these essential self-care tips.
Pelvic Health Matters
Many women silently struggle with incontinence, prolapse, or pelvic pain, believing these issues are just part of ageing or post-pregnancy life. They’re not. A physiotherapist specialising in women’s health can help with treatments like pelvic floor strengthening, manual therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to improve quality of life.
Prioritise Sleep & Recovery
Sleep is essential for healing, hormone balance, and managing pain conditions like pelvic pain, osteoporosis-related discomfort, and post-pregnancy recovery. Poor sleep can also contribute to obesity, depression, chronic pain, and heart issues. If you’re experiencing sleep disturbances due to menopause or pregnancy, consult a healthcare professional for strategies to improve rest.
Stay Active
Women often face barriers to exercise due to time constraints, motivation, parenting demands, or health concerns. However, regular movement is crucial, especially for managing pelvic floor health, menopause symptoms, and osteoporosis prevention.
Nourish Your Body with the Right Nutrients
A well-balanced diet is essential for overall health, but women have specific nutritional needs at different life stages:
Iron-Rich Foods – Essential for energy and health, especially before menopause.
Folic Acid – For women of childbearing age to reduce the risk of birth defects.
Calcium & Vitamin D – Key to maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis.
Routine Health Checks Save Lives
Smear Tests
Women aged 25-50 should have a cervical screening every 3 years, while those over 50 should be checked every 5 years. Early detection is key. Visit cervicalcheck.ie to book your test.
Breast Health
Regular self-examinations help you recognise what’s normal for your body, making it easier to spot any unusual changes early. Pair self-checks with regular doctor visits for optimal breast health.
We have years of experience in helping women’s through a range of issues, if you have something you are concerned about please contact the clinic today by calling us on (01) 660 6582 or book an appointment online. We have trained physiotherapists ready to help you here at our Dublin physiotherapy clinic.
Our Director Aileen Maguire, leads the Women’s Health Clinic. In 2002 Aileen completed a post-registration course in Women’s Health and since then has run the bowel and bladder continence service in the clinic. Pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy is a particular area of interest.
Woman’s Health Clinic
Pelvic problems such as urinary incontinence and bowel problems affects 1 in 3 women at various stages during their life; from those who have never been pregnant, those going through their child-bearing years and into menopause.