The Pelvic Floor Project
Embarrassing symptoms deserve better conversations.
Whether you're dealing with bladder leaks, prolapse, pelvic pain, painful sex, erectile dysfunction, constipation, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or simply wondering if what you're experiencing is normal—you're not alone.
Hosted by pelvic floor physiotherapist Melissa Dessaulles, this podcast helps you understand how your body works and why symptoms happen. Through conversations with leading researchers, physicians, surgeons, sex therapists, midwives, psychologists, and other experts, we translate the latest evidence into practical information you can actually use.
No myths. No shame. No confusing medical jargon.
Just honest conversations that connect the dots—so you can feel informed, confident, and empowered to make decisions about your health.
The Pelvic Floor Project
89. Forceps and vacuum birth with Urogynecologist, Dr. Merry Gong
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In this episode, I sit down with New Westminster BC based Urogynecologist, Dr. Merry Gong to discuss:
- Operative vaginal birth (vacuum, forceps, episiotomy)
- What do these instruments look like and indications for their use
- Indications for operative vaginal birth vs. Cesarean birth
- Risks associated with vacuum and forceps
- Canada has the highest rates of obstetrical trauma
- C-section rates rising
- Ways to decrease rates of operative vaginal birth
- Ways to support those with pelvic floor injuries after birth
Dr. Merry Gong completed her medical undergraduate training, residency in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and a fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of British Columbia.
She specializes in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, urinary and fecal incontinence. She has a special interest in treating postpartum patients with pelvic floor dysfunction. She currently works at Royal Columbian Hospital performing pelvic reconstructive surgery and providing obstetrical services for high risk pregnancies.
LINKS MENTIONED:
Be Pelvic Health Aware: www.bepelvichealthaware.ca
Pelvic Floor Disorders Network of British Columbia: www.bcpfdn.net
IUGA website: yourpelvicfloor.org
THANK YOU TO THE EPISODE SPONSORS
SRC: discount code and website: https://srchealth.com/?ref=Sto_l3PawmnH4
PELVIC HEALTH SUPPLIES: https://pelvichealthsupplies.com/ with discount code: podcast15
Thanks for joining me!
Here is where you can find out how to work with me: www.pelvicfloorprojectspace.com/