Women’s Health Collective Canada Marks Women’s Health Research Month with New Campaign + Major Milestones

Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) is celebrating Women’s Health Research Month with the launch of a new promotional campaign, the announcement of a new member, and a new partnership that supports our mission to transform healthcare and improve outcomes for women across the country through research.

First launched in 2023 by WHCC member BC Women’s Health Foundation, Women’s Health Research Month has grown into a national movement, drawing attention to the critical need for increased funding for research. Research is the first step toward better, more equitable healthcare and lasting change. Investing in women’s health research leads to stronger women, families, communities, and a more resilient economy.

Launching today, the new promotional campaign is a call to action for Canadians to support women’s health research. Featuring the voices of health researchers and leaders from across Canada, the spot underscores the urgent need to close the research gap that has left women underserved in healthcare for far too long.

“Our movement is growing and gaining momentum, and Women’s Health Research Month has become a powerful rallying point for change,” said Amy Flood, Executive Director, WHCC. “With the support of our new members and partners, we are making women’s health research a national priority and ensuring that real progress is made.”

Earlier this month, WHCC proudly welcomed the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation as its newest member, expanding the Collective’s reach into Quebec and reinforcing its commitment to developing a national movement for women’s health.

As part of this momentum, WHCC is proud to announce a new partnership with Sun Life, demonstrating their commitment to making women’s health a national priority. By supporting this critical work, Sun Life is investing in research that is essential to driving change, improving health outcomes, and strengthening women and communities across Canada. Together, Sun Life and WHCC are working to create a brighter, healthier future for women.

“Investing in women’s health and research is an investment in today and for generations to come,” says Marie-Chantal Côté, Senior Vice-President, Sun Life Health. “Working together, we’re helping to drive meaningful advancements that benefit individuals, families, and society as a whole. Partnering with WHCC allows us to support a healthier future for all.”

As Women’s Health Research Month continues, WHCC invites individuals, businesses, and organizations to join the movement to fund women’s health research. Give now and help build a healthier future for all women.

L’Association canadienne pour l’équité en santé des femmes célèbre le Mois de la recherche en la santé des femmes avec une nouvelle campagne et des étapes importantes.

L’Association canadienne pour l’équité en santé des femmes (ACESF) célèbre le Mois de la recherche en la santé des femmes avec le lancement d’une nouvelle campagne promotionnelle, l’annonce d’un nouveau membre et un nouveau partenariat qui soutient notre mission de transformer les soins de santé et d’améliorer les résultats pour les femmes partout au pays grâce à la recherche. Lancé pour la première fois en 2023 par la BC Women’s Health Foundation, membre du ACESF, le Mois de la recherche en la santé des femmes est devenu un mouvement national, attirant l’attention sur le besoin crucial d’un financement accru pour la recherche. La recherche est la première étape vers des soins de santé meilleurs et plus équitables et vers un changement durable. Investir dans la recherche en la santé des femmes mène à des femmes, des familles et des communautés plus fortes et à une économie plus résiliente. Lancée aujourd’hui, la nouvelle campagne promotionnelle est un appel à l’action pour que les Canadiens soutiennent la recherche en la santé des femmes. Mettant en vedette les voix de chercheurs et de leaders en santé de partout au Canada, le message souligne le besoin urgent de combler le fossé en matière de recherche qui a laissé les femmes mal desservies dans les soins de santé pendant bien trop longtemps. « Notre mouvement prend de l’ampleur et prend de l’ampleur, et le Mois de la recherche en la santé des femmes est devenu un puissant point de ralliement pour le changement », a déclaré Amy Flood, directrice générale de ACESF. « Avec le soutien de nos nouveaux membres et partenaires, nous faisons de la recherche en la santé des femmes une priorité nationale et veillons à ce que de réels progrès soient réalisés. » Plus tôt ce mois-ci, le ACESF a fièrement accueilli la Fondation du Centre universitaire de santé McGill (CUSM) comme nouveau membre, élargissant ainsi la portée du Collectif au Québec et renforçant son engagement à développer un mouvement national pour la santé des femmes. Dans le cadre de cet élan, le ACESF est fier d’annoncer un nouveau partenariat avec Sun Life, démontrant ainsi son engagement à faire de la santé des femmes une priorité nationale. En appuyant ce travail essentiel, la Sun Life investit dans la recherche essentielle pour susciter le changement, améliorer les résultats en matière de santé et renforcer les femmes et les communautés partout au Canada. Ensemble, Sun Life et ACESF travaillent à créer un avenir meilleur et plus sain pour les femmes. « Investir dans la santé des femmes et la recherche, c’est investir aujourd’hui et pour les générations à venir », affirme Marie-Chantal Côté, vice-présidente principale, Sun Life Santé. En travaillant ensemble, nous contribuons à des percées significatives qui profitent aux individus, aux familles et à la société dans son ensemble. Alors que le Mois de la recherche en la santé des femmes se poursuit, le ACESF invite les individus, les entreprises et les organisations à se joindre au mouvement pour financer la recherche en la santé des femmes. Donnez maintenant et aidez à bâtir un avenir plus sain pour toutes les femmes.

Watch Our New Campaign Video + Join Our Movement for Change!

March is Women’s Health Research Month—a time to amplify the call for big change in women’s health and an invitation to all Canadians to join us.

In recognition, we’re launching a powerful new video that highlights why investing in women’s health research is essential. Featuring the voices of health researchers and leaders from across Canada, the video underscores the urgent need to close the research gap that has left women underserved in healthcare for far too long.

Watch, share, and help us amplify this critical message. Together, we can make a difference.

Mars est le Mois de la recherche sur la santé des femmes, une occasion d’amplifier l’appel à un grand changement dans la santé des femmes et d’inviter tous les Canadiens à se joindre à nous.

En guise de reconnaissance, nous lançons une nouvelle vidéo percutante qui souligne pourquoi il est essentiel d’investir dans la recherche sur la santé des femmes. Mettant en vedette les voix de chercheurs et de leaders en santé de partout au Canada, la vidéo souligne le besoin urgent de combler le fossé en matière de recherche qui a laissé les femmes mal desservies dans les soins de santé pendant bien trop longtemps.

Regardez, partagez et aidez-nous à amplifier ce message essentiel. Ensemble, on peut faire la différence.

Women’s Health Research Month Is Here!

This March, Women’s Health Collective Canada is marking Women’s Health Research Month and calling on Canadians to join us.

Despite making up half the population, women’s health receives just 6% of national health research funding — and that needs to change.

We’re on a mission to support groundbreaking research that leads to better care, safer treatments, and a healthier future for all women. Inspired by our member BC Women’s Health Foundation, which launched the first Women’s Health Research Month in 2023, we’re expanding this movement and shining a light on both the urgent need for funding and the incredible research happening across Canada.

Research saves lives. Your support fuels the research that drives innovative treatments, improves access to care, and creates lasting change for generations to come.

Fund the facts, join the movement. Give now and help us build a healthier future for all women.

Women’s Health Collective Canada Welcomes the IWK Foundation as Its Newest Member

Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) is proud to announce the addition of the IWK Foundation to its membership. The IWK Foundation, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, raises funds to support IWK Health which is renowned for its comprehensive research and healthcare services for women and children across the Maritimes and beyond. Its entry into the Collective marks a significant milestone for WHCC as the first new member to join since the alliance was founded in 2021.

The expansion solidifies WHCC’s position as one of Canada’s foremost women’s health charities, establishing it as a truly coast-to-coast alliance. This growth strengthens WHCC’s ability to engage a nationwide audience and corporate partners, broadening its reach and enhancing its capacity to address critical women’s health issues through impactful fundraising.

“We are excited to welcome the IWK Foundation to WHCC,” said Sharlene Rutherford, President and CEO, Alberta Women’s Health Foundation, a founding member of WHCC. “This not only strengthens our position to improve women’s health across Canada, but also sends a powerful message that women’s health and research is an issue we need to take seriously and work collaboratively to address. Together, we will continue to move the needle and make a tangible impact on the lives of women in Canada.”

“The IWK Foundation is proud to join the Women’s Health Collective Canada,” said Jennifer Gillivan, President and CEO, IWK Foundation. “This alliance enhances our ability to address the pressing health needs of women by driving research that will improve care for generations to come. We are honored to join a group of outstanding organizations with a shared commitment to women’s health, and to be part of creating a better, healthier future for all women.”

About the IWK Foundation

The IWK Foundation is a champion of excellence in women’s and children’s health and medicine and works in partnership with IWK Health to support their vision of providing quality care to women, children, youth and families in the Maritime Provinces and beyond. Our donors are passionately committed to making a difference for Maritime families, contributing over $25.2 million in support of the most urgent care priorities at the IWK last year. Funds raised also support the IWK’s global leadership in research and knowledge sharing, which in turn improves lives worldwide. Visit www.iwkfoundation.org for more information.

Vichy Laboratoires Launches Hormonall to Empower Women’s Wellbeing in Canada, In Partnership with Wellbeing of Women and Supporting Women’s Health Collective Canada

MONTREAL, Oct. 18, 2024 – Vichy Laboratoires, a renowned skincare brand recommended by 70,000 dermatologists globally, announces the Canadian launch of Hormonall, a program going beyond skincare to support women through every life stage. Recognizing the impact of hormonal changes on women’s holistic wellbeing, Hormonall provides access to trustworthy information, resources, and a supportive community.

“We are thrilled to bring Hormonall to Canadian women,” said Marie-Pier Michaud, General Manager, Vichy Laboratoires Canada. “This initiative goes beyond skincare, empowering women with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate their hormonal changes with confidence.”

2 OUT OF 3 WOMEN STRUGGLE IN SILENCE WHEN FACING HORMONAL CHANGES FEELING MISUNDERSTOOD, UNSUPPORTED OR UNINFORMED*

A KANTAR quantitative study of over 2,000 women in countries around the world found that two out of three struggle in silence when facing the impact of hormonal changes on their mental and physical wellbeing, feeling misunderstood, unsupported or uninformed. Women share these feelings regardless of age, background, or country.

THREE REASONS: LACK OF RESEARCH, CONVERSATION & EDUCATION

There are three causes of societal misunderstanding and individual loneliness related to hormonal wellbeing.

First, a lack of prioritisation of women’s health in the health care system in the field of women’s health. Women make up 51% of the population, and yet women’s health research receives only 7% of federal health research funding in Canada.

Second, a lack of conversation fed by taboos, stigmas and shame. Women are not encouraged to share their burdens or to ask for support. And no one is listening to them.

Third, a lack of education. There isn’t enough information about hormonal changes, and the little information that is available is sometimes misleading or overwhelming, causing more confusion and fear.

HORMONALL , A 3-PRONGED APPROACH:

RESEARCH, EDUCATION & CULTURAL SHIFT

Advancing Research & Improving Care: Vichy is supporting Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC), with a donation of $135,000 to fund vital women’s health research and close gaps in the care women receive. “Too many women in Canada continue to feel as though they are in the dark when it comes to aspects of their health, such as hormonal changes and how they can be managed,” says Cally Wesson, President and CEO, BC Women’s Health Foundation, a founding member of WHCC. “Too few women have the information they need to make fully empowered decisions when it comes to their hormonal health or know that treatment options exist. WHCC is grateful to Vichy for elevating this important conversation and championing women’s health. Vichy’s contribution supports research that is helping to create a healthier future for all women.”
Giving Voice to Women’s Experiences: Through powerful testimonials from Canadian ambassadors like entrepreneur Jessica Miao and menopause expert Shirley Weir, Hormonall encourages women to share their stories and break down the barriers of silence.
Providing Accessible Education: In collaboration with Wellbeing of Women UK, Hormonall offers four free rigorous 15-minutes e-learning modules covering key life stages: puberty, menstrual cycles, postpartum, and menopause. These concise modules equip women with the knowledge to navigate their hormonal journeys with confidence. Each module is highly interactive with a focus on design and user-experience.

Launching on World Menopause Day, October 18th, Hormonall.com will become a dedicated hub for women’s wellbeing. This free and anonymous platform offers educational resources and fosters a supportive community for all individuals experiencing hormonal transitions.

For more information about Hormonall and its available resources, visit Hormonall.com.

___________________________________________________________________

About Vichy Laboratoires: Founded in 1931, Vichy Laboratoires is a science-driven skincare brand recommended by 70,000 dermatologists worldwide, the 2sd most recommended brand worldwide**. Vichy Laboratoires is dedicated to decoding and anticipating the needs of the skin and scalp at every stage of life.

About Wellbeing of Women: Wellbeing of Women is a UK charity founded in 1964 that is committed to improving the health of women, girls and babies through research, education and advocacy.

About Women’s Health Collective Canada: Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) is a strategic alliance uniting Canada’s leading women’s health and hospital foundations to advocate for and advance equity in women’s health research.

* KANTAR Study 2022 – Total Sample: 2086 women

**Survey conducted among the dermocosmetic market carried out by AplusA and other partners between January 2023 and May 2023, involving dermatologists in 34 countries, representing more than 80% of the worldwide GDP.

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2024/18/c9869.html

Denny’s Canada invites guests to enjoy a sweet treat in support of women’s health

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In recognition of Mother’s Day on May 12^th, Denny’s Canada is delighted to announce that they have partnered with Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) to host a special fundraiser. From May 7^th to 12^th, in participating stores across Canada, $2 from each Berry Stuffed French Toast Slam order will be donated to help shape a more inclusive future for women’s health.

Founded in 2021, Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) is a strategic alliance of three of Canada’s leading women’s health and hospital foundations, the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation (AWHF), BC Women’s Health Foundation, and Women’s College Hospital Foundation. The purpose of the WHCC is to raise awareness for equity in women’s health research.

Through intentional collaboration and unified advocacy, WHCC brings resources together to address the legacy of inequity through the following;

Supporting medical research that addresses the unique needs of women
Raising awareness of the gender health gap, dispelling misconceptions about women’s health, and highlighting how healthy women create a healthier Canada
Broadening the scope and reach of world-class women’s health programs to connect with every woman
Creating higher standards of care for all women

“WHCC is pleased to partner with Denny’s for their Mother’s Day campaign, which celebrates mothers across the country and supports the work of WHCC to advance women’s health research,” says Sharlene Rutherford, President & CEO, of Alberta Women’s Health Foundation. “We are grateful for Denny’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of women, their families, and all Canadians as a result.”

For over 70 years, Denny’s has been a place where everyone is welcome to sit down and connect. The renowned restaurant brand prides itself on working and actively engaging with their guests to make a positive impact through collaboration with meaningful organizations. They believe that local businesses and communities grow together when there is partnership and support.

For the full list of participating locations and more details about the WHCC, please visit https://www.dennys.ca/promotions/mothers-day/.

ABOUT DENNY’S CANADA

Dencan Restaurants Inc., headquartered in Vancouver and owned by Northland Properties Corporation, currently operates and franchises 74 Denny’s restaurants across Canada. Part of the highly regarded worldwide Denny’s organization, Dencan Restaurants Inc. has a well-deserved reputation for high-quality food and guest satisfaction. From fluffy pancakes to crispy bacon, to juicy burgers, to something from the Fit Fare® Menu, guests will always find delicious value and variety.

More information can be found at www.dennys.ca or on social @dennyscanada.

WHCC partners with Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ to Support Women’s Health Research

Women’s Health Collective Canada is proud to once again partner with Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ to raise critical funds for women’s health research. Until December 31, Shoppers Drug Mart® customers have the option to contribute to Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ in-store at self check-out or on-line at shoppersfoundation.ca.

The partnership will also involve a $500,000 donation from the Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™, helping advance equity, excellence, and inclusion in research through WHCC and its members: Alberta Women’s Health Foundation, BC Women’s Health Foundation, and Women’s College Hospital Foundation.

The partnership was announced in November at the WHCC National Summit: Pathways to Equity, presented by Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ in Edmonton, a gathering of researchers from the Partnership for Women’s Health Research Canada and women’s health advocates. This is the second consecutive year Shoppers Drug Mart® has partnered with WHCC in support of women’s health. In 2022, Shoppers Drug Mart® partnered with WHCC and raised over $600,000.

“The mission of WHCC is to advance women’s health research and create more visibility around the current lack of data,” said Sharlene Rutherford, President and CEO, Alberta Women’s Health Foundation. “Joining forces with Shoppers Drug Mart® and Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ helps us reach an even greater number of Canadians and make meaningful differences in the lives of women across the country.”

“Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ is committed to fostering health equity for all women across Canada,” said Paulette Minard, Director, Community Investment, Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™. “Achieving this goal begins with better understanding the true nature of the inequities that exist, to help build a path towards resolution. Too little data exists in this regard, which is why we are pleased to be able to support Women’s Health Collective Canada and their members with their important work.”

To stay updated on the partnership’s progress and initiatives, please visit the Women’s Health Collective Canada website at www.whcc.ca and follow Shopper’s Drug Mart’s® social media channels.

About Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™

Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ – the charitable arm of Shoppers Drug Mart® – is committed to helping Canadian women lead healthier lives, by making care more equitable and accessible. The Foundation will invest $50M by 2026 to address some of the most pressing health inequities facing women, including lack of representation in health research, barriers to accessing mental healthcare, and the urgent consequences women disproportionately face due to poverty and domestic violence. Learn more at shoppersfoundation.ca.

Dr. Erin Kelly on Women’s Pain Management + A Recap of the WHCC Summit

Pain is a complex and multifaceted experience that can be influenced by various factors. Chronic pain, which is defined as pain that persists for more than three months, is a common and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Studies have found that women are more likely than men to experience chronic pain. Women are biologically disposed to painful diseases to painful diseases, such as fibromyalgia, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia, and temporomandibular disorders (TMJ). While troubling, these statistics are a first step in addressing the systemic issue of women’s pain, for we can only begin treatment if we know there is an issue. At WHCC’s member institutes, researchers are furthering our knowledge about both the incidence of pain among women as well as its treatment. One of these researchers is Dr. Erin Kelly, a Urogynecologist at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and the Fellowship Program Director for the Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery program at the University of Alberta. Dr. Kelly’s research interests in chronic pelvic pain management and surgery for pelvic floor disorders are particularly relevant to women’s health. Her work aims to improve the quality of life for women who suffer from these conditions by developing new treatments and improving existing ones. This interview has been edited for clarity. WHCC: Could you share the areas of your research about pain awareness? Dr. Kelly: Shortly after I joined the Chronic Pelvic Pain program at the Lois Hole Hospital in Edmonton, we started work on a project to investigate patients’ attitudes [about] and perceptions of medical cannabis for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain. The results were fascinating. First, there was little to no research on cannabis for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain syndromes, and second, over fifty percent of the patients who participated in our survey were using cannabis as an adjunct to the medical treatment of their chronic pelvic pain. Furthermore, of those women who did not routinely use cannabis to manage their pelvic pain, fifty percent were interested in trying it. This suggests to me that women are not getting adequate medical management of their pelvic pain through traditional medical therapies, and are having to look on their own, outside of traditional medical care. In this respect, I worry we are failing our chronic pelvic pain patients, by not exploring a broader range of therapeutic options. This realization prompted us to write an editorial to the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Canada calling for more openness to the study of medical cannabis use for the management of chronic pelvic pain. Our hope was to bring awareness to the complexity of this pain syndrome, the struggle to find adequate therapeutic modalities to treat it, and to advocate for more studies of medical cannabis to manage chronic pelvic pain. WHCC: What are some common misconceptions patients have about pain in urogynecological conditions? Dr. Kelly: I think the most prominent misconception about pain in urogynecological conditions is that surgery is often curative for chronic pelvic pain. I do wish that chronic pain was this simple and that a surgery could indefinitely cure chronic pelvic pain for our patients. Then our patients could quickly move on to a better quality of life and not look back. In rare situations — for instance, with pain that is solely associated with vaginal mesh (noted by clinical findings on examination) — pelvic pain can be improved significantly with surgical excision. Unfortunately, it is much more common that chronic pelvic pain either does not resolve completely with surgery, or is made worse by surgery. Chronic pelvic pain is complex and multifactorial, and while it can often be well-managed with a multimodal approach, it is rarely ever cured. Good management of chronic pelvic pain requires treating and seeing the whole patient. It requires recognizing the personal and social context in which the patient is suffering. That is why taking the biopsychosocial approach to managing chronic pelvic pain is most effective. A biopsychosocial approach means involving multidisciplinary clinical teams to not only address the medical management of chronic pain but also the psychosocial aspects as well. WHCC: What are some challenges you face in managing pain in urogynecological patients? Dr. Kelly: In our program, our biggest challenge to managing pelvic pain is all of the barriers our patients face to getting the treatment that they need. These barriers range from the stigma surrounding pelvic health disorders to extremely long wait times to access care, to social, economic, and geographical barriers. It is heart-breaking to hear how our patients’ pain has been dismissed or diminished by other healthcare practitioners, and we try to advocate for them on both an interpersonal and societal level, to decrease the stigma and misconceptions around chronic pelvic pain syndromes. It is frustrating to know how long they wait to see us in the Chronic Pelvic Pain Program, and we are constantly looking at ways to improve our ability to see more patients in consultation. But we only have so much capacity. Often, it is social, economic, and geographical barriers that prevent patients from accessing the healthcare they need to address the psychosocial aspects of their pain. Without addressing these aspects of pain, it is hard — if not impossible — for patients to reach levels of empowerment and self-efficacy as far as their pain. WHCC: How do you approach educating your patients about pain and its management? Dr. Kelly: In our Chronic Pelvic Pain Program at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women in Edmonton, we focus on dispelling misconceptions about chronic pelvic pain and providing reliable education. This ranges from individual teaching during clinical visits, to guiding patients to reliable web and social media resources, to structured pain education classes that are facilitated through our program. This also includes community talks, such as the recent Women’s Health Research Seminar, organized by Women’s Health Collective of Canada and Partners for Women’s Health Research, the aim of which is to raise awareness, educate, and advocate. WHCC: Are there any recent advancements in pain management that you find promising? Dr. Kelly: Absolutely! I think as chronic pain providers, we are well aware that chronic pain is a multidimensional, multifaceted experience that cannot only be treated with medicine and surgery. The biopsychosocial model illustrates this perfectly, and for a long time, the treatment of pain has focused on treating biology alone. As chronic pain practitioners, we have been promoting and advocating for better management of the psychological and sociological aspects of chronic pain. This is why I am very excited about the current research work of my partners, Dr. Annick Poirier and Dr. May Sanaee. Dr. Poirier has helped to establish the Mind-Body Integration program (also known as the Hypnosis program) within our clinic. Hypnosis is a therapeutic technique that aims to create a state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion. It has been shown to decrease pain and improve quality of life in patients with chronic pain. Dr. Poirier is investigating the perspectives and attitudes of practitioners and patients towards this initiative using qualitative methods. I believe her results are going to clearly point out the gap in psychosocial aspects of pain that the traditional medical approach fails to address. Her results will have a significant impact on how we manage chronic pelvic pain. Dr. Sanaee brought the Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioural Therapy course, which she learned from Dr. Lori Brotto at the University of British Columbia, to our program. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is centered on challenging maladaptive pain-related cognitions, change-oriented psychoeducation, and behavioral interventions. Mindfulness therapy uses an acceptance-based approach. Mindfulness has been increasingly used alongside CBT for a variety of chronic pain conditions. This therapy program has been extremely well-received by our patients, and as practitioners, we are also seeing the benefits. [Dr. Sanaee] plans to study the virtual delivery of this course, with the hope that she can expand the delivery of this therapy to a broader patient group. I am very excited to see my colleagues, among many others, studying treatments to address the psychosocial aspects of chronic pelvic pain. WHCC: What do you think is the role of healthcare professionals in advocating for improved pain management practice? Dr. Kelly: Stigma is the biggest barrier to better care for women with chronic pelvic pain. Women should be taught about their bodies from an early age, so they have the words to bring up their concerns confidently with their healthcare providers. Women should never be made to feel shame or guilt when discussing their pelvic health concerns. This requires that healthcare providers routinely ask about pelvic floor health, in a supportive and non-judgmental way. Healthcare providers should also have the basic tools to support their patients through diagnosis and treatment. On a broader scale, we need to bravely speak up about our own pelvic health concerns and listen closely to those who are speaking about theirs. We need to advocate for more robust research initiatives, more education, and better access to care for women with pelvic floor disorders so that women can be empowered about their pelvic floor health. WHCC: In your experience, how does chronic pain affect the quality of life for those with urogynecological conditions? Dr. Kelly: Chronic pelvic pain is a debilitating condition that can affect every aspect of a woman’s life. Chronic pelvic pain often results in significant impairments in daily functioning, vocational functioning, family dynamics, and intimate relationships. This can lead to financial stress, relationship discord, and a lack of socialization and support. Chronic pelvic pain can be a very isolating and lonely experience. WHCC: Are there specific goals you hope to achieve in your work in the coming years? Dr. Kelly: In the coming years, my colleagues and I hope to build a more robust Chronic Pelvic Pain program here in Edmonton, where our patients not only receive medical care for their chronic pelvic pain but where the psychosocial aspects of their pain experience are addressed as well. From a research standpoint, we hope to continue to study the medical, physical, psychological, and sociological aspects of chronic pelvic pain, in the hopes of finding better approaches to treatment of this complex and multifaceted condition. Finally, we cannot make a significant impact without advocacy. By working with local and national organizations, such as the Women’s Health Collective, we hope to reduce the stigma associated with chronic pelvic pain and to raise the voices of those suffering so that they can be seen and heard.

Earlier in the month, the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation hosted the Women’s Health Collective Canada (WHCC) National Summit in Edmonton. The Summit was presented by the Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health™ and was the Collective’s first Summit in a post-pandemic era. A recap video can be found here, courtesy of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. The Summit, which took place November 20th and 21st, aimed to chart a path for the work that lies ahead seeking equity in and the advancement of women’s health research. The two-day Summit brought together the three WHCC founding members and research partner institutions, the Women’s Health Research Institute, Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, Women’s College Research Institute, and IWK Health, who make up the Partnership for Women’s Health Research Canada (PWHR). Participants celebrated the work accomplished since the Collective was formed in 2019, sharing their research and latest findings. They also looked to the future, discussing how to systemically advance women’s health research and build a strategy to engage new partners from across Canada. A clip from CTV News Edmonton live from the WHCC Summit is viewable here.

Dr. Erin Kelly on Women’s Pain Management + A Recap of the WHCC Summit

While troubling, these statistics are a first step in addressing the systemic issue of women’s pain, for we can only begin treatment if we know there is an issue. At WHCC’s member institutes, researchers are furthering our knowledge about both the incidence of pain among women as well as its treatment.

One of these researchers is Dr. Erin Kelly, a Urogynecologist at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and the Fellowship Program Director for the Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery program at the University of Alberta. Dr. Kelly’s research interests in chronic pelvic pain management and surgery for pelvic floor disorders are particularly relevant to women’s health. Her work aims to improve the quality of life for women who suffer from these conditions by developing new treatments and improving existing ones.

This interview has been edited for clarity.

WHCC: Could you share the areas of your research about pain awareness?

Dr. Kelly: Shortly after I joined the Chronic Pelvic Pain program at the Lois Hole Hospital in Edmonton, we started work on a project to investigate patients’ attitudes [about] and perceptions of medical cannabis for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain. The results were fascinating. First, there was little to no research on cannabis for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain syndromes, and second, over fifty percent of the patients who participated in our survey were using cannabis as an adjunct to the medical treatment of their chronic pelvic pain. Furthermore, of those women who did not routinely use cannabis to manage their pelvic pain, fifty percent were interested in trying it.

This suggests to me that women are not getting adequate medical management of their pelvic pain through traditional medical therapies, and are having to look on their own, outside of traditional medical care. In this respect, I worry we are failing our chronic pelvic pain patients, by not exploring a broader range of therapeutic options.

This realization prompted us to write an editorial to the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Canada calling for more openness to the study of medical cannabis use for the management of chronic pelvic pain. Our hope was to bring awareness to the complexity of this pain syndrome, the struggle to find adequate therapeutic modalities to treat it, and to advocate for more studies of medical cannabis to manage chronic pelvic pain.

WHCC: What are some common misconceptions patients have about pain in urogynecological conditions?

Dr. Kelly: I think the most prominent misconception about pain in urogynecological conditions is that surgery is often curative for chronic pelvic pain. I do wish that chronic pain was this simple and that a surgery could indefinitely cure chronic pelvic pain for our patients. Then our patients could quickly move on to a better quality of life and not look back. In rare situations — for instance, with pain that is solely associated with vaginal mesh (noted by clinical findings on examination) — pelvic pain can be improved significantly with surgical excision.

Unfortunately, it is much more common that chronic pelvic pain either does not resolve completely with surgery, or is made worse by surgery. Chronic pelvic pain is complex and multifactorial, and while it can often be well-managed with a multimodal approach, it is rarely ever cured. Good management of chronic pelvic pain requires treating and seeing the whole patient. It requires recognizing the personal and social context in which the patient is suffering.

That is why taking the biopsychosocial approach to managing chronic pelvic pain is most effective. A biopsychosocial approach means involving multidisciplinary clinical teams to not only address the medical management of chronic pain but also the psychosocial aspects as well.

WHCC: What are some challenges you face in managing pain in urogynecological patients?

Dr. Kelly: In our program, our biggest challenge to managing pelvic pain is all of the barriers our patients face to getting the treatment that they need. These barriers range from the stigma surrounding pelvic health disorders to extremely long wait times to access care, to social, economic, and geographical barriers. It is heart-breaking to hear how our patients’ pain has been dismissed or diminished by other healthcare practitioners, and we try to advocate for them on both an interpersonal and societal level, to decrease the stigma and misconceptions around chronic pelvic pain syndromes.

It is frustrating to know how long they wait to see us in the Chronic Pelvic Pain Program, and we are constantly looking at ways to improve our ability to see more patients in consultation. But we only have so much capacity. Often, it is social, economic, and geographical barriers that prevent patients from accessing the healthcare they need to address the psychosocial aspects of their pain. Without addressing these aspects of pain, it is hard — if not impossible — for patients to reach levels of empowerment and self-efficacy as far as their pain.

WHCC: How do you approach educating your patients about pain and its management?

Dr. Kelly: In our Chronic Pelvic Pain Program at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women in Edmonton, we focus on dispelling misconceptions about chronic pelvic pain and providing reliable education. This ranges from individual teaching during clinical visits, to guiding patients to reliable web and social media resources, to structured pain education classes that are facilitated through our program.

This also includes community talks, such as the recent Women’s Health Research Seminar, organized by Women’s Health Collective of Canada and Partners for Women’s Health Research, the aim of which is to raise awareness, educate, and advocate.

WHCC: Are there any recent advancements in pain management that you find promising?

Dr. Kelly: Absolutely! I think as chronic pain providers, we are well aware that chronic pain is a multidimensional, multifaceted experience that cannot only be treated with medicine and surgery. The biopsychosocial model illustrates this perfectly, and for a long time, the treatment of pain has focused on treating biology alone.

As chronic pain practitioners, we have been promoting and advocating for better management of the psychological and sociological aspects of chronic pain. This is why I am very excited about the current research work of my partners, Dr. Annick Poirier and Dr. May Sanaee. Dr. Poirier has helped to establish the Mind-Body Integration program (also known as the Hypnosis program) within our clinic. Hypnosis is a therapeutic technique that aims to create a state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion. It has been shown to decrease pain and improve quality of life in patients with chronic pain.

Dr. Poirier is investigating the perspectives and attitudes of practitioners and patients towards this initiative using qualitative methods. I believe her results are going to clearly point out the gap in psychosocial aspects of pain that the traditional medical approach fails to address. Her results will have a significant impact on how we manage chronic pelvic pain.

Dr. Sanaee brought the Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioural Therapy course, which she learned from Dr. Lori Brotto at the University of British Columbia, to our program. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is centered on challenging maladaptive pain-related cognitions, change-oriented psychoeducation, and behavioral interventions. Mindfulness therapy uses an acceptance-based approach. Mindfulness has been increasingly used alongside CBT for a variety of chronic pain conditions. This therapy program has been extremely well-received by our patients, and as practitioners, we are also seeing the benefits. [Dr. Sanaee] plans to study the virtual delivery of this course, with the hope that she can expand the delivery of this therapy to a broader patient group.

I am very excited to see my colleagues, among many others, studying treatments to address the psychosocial aspects of chronic pelvic pain.

WHCC: What do you think is the role of healthcare professionals in advocating for improved pain management practice?

Dr. Kelly: Stigma is the biggest barrier to better care for women with chronic pelvic pain. Women should be taught about their bodies from an early age, so they have the words to bring up their concerns confidently with their healthcare providers. Women should never be made to feel shame or guilt when discussing their pelvic health concerns.

This requires that healthcare providers routinely ask about pelvic floor health, in a supportive and non-judgmental way. Healthcare providers should also have the basic tools to support their patients through diagnosis and treatment. On a broader scale, we need to bravely speak up about our own pelvic health concerns and listen closely to those who are speaking about theirs. We need to advocate for more robust research initiatives, more education, and better access to care for women with pelvic floor disorders so that women can be empowered about their pelvic floor health.

WHCC: In your experience, how does chronic pain affect the quality of life for those with urogynecological conditions?

Dr. Kelly: Chronic pelvic pain is a debilitating condition that can affect every aspect of a woman’s life. Chronic pelvic pain often results in significant impairments in daily functioning, vocational functioning, family dynamics, and intimate relationships. This can lead to financial stress, relationship discord, and a lack of socialization and support. Chronic pelvic pain can be a very isolating and lonely experience.

WHCC: Are there specific goals you hope to achieve in your work in the coming years?

Dr. Kelly: In the coming years, my colleagues and I hope to build a more robust Chronic Pelvic Pain program here in Edmonton, where our patients not only receive medical care for their chronic pelvic pain but where the psychosocial aspects of their pain experience are addressed as well. From a research standpoint, we hope to continue to study the medical, physical, psychological, and sociological aspects of chronic pelvic pain, in the hopes of finding better approaches to treatment of this complex and multifaceted condition.

Finally, we cannot make a significant impact without advocacy. By working with local and national organizations, such as the Women’s Health Collective, we hope to reduce the stigma associated with chronic pelvic pain and to raise the voices of those suffering so that they can be seen and heard.

The Summit, which took place November 20th and 21st, aimed to chart a path for the work that lies ahead seeking equity in and the advancement of women’s health research. The two-day Summit brought together the three WHCC founding members and research partner institutions, the Women’s Health Research Institute, Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, Women’s College Research Institute, and IWK Health, who make up the Partnership for Women’s Health Research Canada (PWHR).

Participants celebrated the work accomplished since the Collective was formed in 2019, sharing their research and latest findings. They also looked to the future, discussing how to systemically advance women’s health research and build a strategy to engage new partners from across Canada. A clip from CTV News Edmonton live from the WHCC Summit is viewable here.