Day 3 | Session 8 | Concurrent | Pelvic pain
Help, I have no one to help me with patient's pain: low resource, high-impact pelvic pain care
Persistent pelvic pain often causes significant disability and distress and is one of the most common reasons for referral to a gynaecology clinic. Navigating these complex consultations within the constraints of a stretched health system can feel challenging for clinicians. This session offers practical, evidence-informed strategies you can use in clinic on Monday to deliver effective, patient-centred care.Dr Karen Joseph
Specialist Pain Medicine Physician and Gynaecologist
Christchurch
In the pursuit of providing best, evidence-based care for those living with pelvic pain Karen has completed specialist training in Pain Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Sexual & Reproductive Health.Her research interests are exploring, and attempting to develop ways to meet, the unmet needs of those living with pelvic pain.
Neuropsychology of endometriosis-associated pain
Endometriosis symptoms extend beyond pain, with more than 60% of patients reporting some level of cognitive difficulty at work or school. This presentation provides evidence of cognitive and neurophysiological dysfunction in women with endometriosis, highlighting the contribution of chronic pelvic pain to these difficulties. These findings shed light on the complex endometriosis–pain–cognition pathways and have shifted the field to a point where interventional work is now underway.Dr Ashlee Berryman
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
Christchurch
Dr Ashlee Berryman is a research neuroscientist at the University of Otago whose work focuses on the cognitive and neurophysiological consequences of endometriosis-associated pain. Her research has investigated cognitive functioning, brain activity, and pain-related changes among individuals with endometriosis. Ashlee is now extending this work into interventional research, investigating novel approaches to improving cognitive and pain-related outcomes for those living with endometriosis.
She is passionate about translating neuroscience research into meaningful improvements in women’s health to help our wāhine flourish.
Botulinum toxin for pelvic floor dysfunction: wins, woes and workarounds
When pain persists after endometriosis treatment, the pelvic floor is an under-recognised driver. This talk is a practical guide to botulinum toxin for pelvic floor overactivity: choosing the right patient, administering well, dosing, and learning from both success stories and pitfalls. It also considers why physiotherapy remains essential and how we might widen access across Aotearoa.Dr Sam Holford
Gynaecologist, Advanced Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeon
Middlemore Hospital, Auckland Gynaecology Specialists, Auckland
Dr Sam Holford is an AGES-trained gynaecologist at Middlemore Hospital Counties Manukau, and in private practice at Auckland Gynaecology Specialists. His clinical interests are in endometriosis, pelvic pain, and advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Sam is an enthusiastic teacher, training supervisor, and surgical proctor. He also develops software for surgeons.