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Ethicon Media Monitoring 07/08/16
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Animals cannot tell researchers about the pain from mesh experiments - report into implants used in NHS women’s operations is criticised
Jul 7, 2016 | Wisbech Standard
By Kath Sansom
Animals used in experiments to test mesh medical implants for women’s surgeries cannot talk about pain they are suffering, a campaigner has said. -
Body Building - Training the Pelvic Floor
Jul 8, 2016 | KHMER Times
By Karen Owens
This week I interviewed Elsa, a very talented French midwife living in Phnom Penh. She is very experienced and also teaches ante-natal classes here.
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Jul 7, 2016 | Wisbech Standard
By Kath Sansom
Animals used in experiments to test mesh medical implants for women’s surgeries cannot talk about pain they are suffering, a campaigner has said.
The warning comes after a health watchdog boss cherry picked animal studies to ensure surgical mesh used in women’s operations was seen as safe, she said.
Ann Boni, of Sling the Mesh campaign said: “Instead of looking at the pros and cons of the medical implant material, the MHRA report looked at a handful of studies in animals to show mesh in a positive light.
“This was supposed to be a toxicology report and it is just a biocompatibility report looking at old, previously published, literature reviews in animals.
“Unfortunately animals cannot tell you when they are in pain, but humans can and we have, but the MHRA has failed to listen and have put the manufacturers profits above patient safety.”
She added there have never been any long term human trials to show the complications the implant can cause - despite it being implanted in women worldwide since 1996.
The report, by Dr Neil McGuire, director of medical devices at the MHRA, coincides with a separate study published by five UK medics which says polypropylene can cause “severe clinical complications in a significant minority of patients.”
Their study was carried out in search of a better pelvic floor surgery flexible fix using human stem cells spun with polyurethanes and co-polymer plastics to withstand the pressure of a woman sneezing or coughing.
Their study says such pressure can cause the plastic currently used in mesh slings to become “deformed” within seven days.
Canadian surgeon of 35 years experience, Dr Robert Bendavid, whose studies show surgical mesh can shrink, degrade and erode ,said of the MHRA toxicology report: “This is one of the worst, shallow, uninformative reviews I have ever read.”
“It reviewed the favourable literature without touching upon the problems which are being raised.
“Mr McGuire’s report is a simple-minded exercise in placating an unsophisticated audience.
“It was irrelevant in the discussion of infection and pore size - pore sizes in all polypropylene meshes have never been an issue in terms of infection.
“I note they didn’t use any of my studies with Blavais and Iakovlev which show mesh in a negative light.”
Dr Bendavid concluded that mesh plastics could cause leaching of toxins in patients as nobody truly knew what the materials were made of.
He said: “Most surgeons are derelict through their neglect in explaining the serious side effects and complications which happen not so rarely.
“Would they think differently if their daughters or wives were to be subjected to such harm? In 15-30 per cent of instances?”
The MHRA have been contacted but are yet to give a statement on Mr Mcguire’s report.
http://www.wisbechstandard.co.uk/news/animals_cannot_tell_researchers_about_the_pain_from_mesh_experiments_report_into_implants_used_in_nhs_women_s_operations_is_criticised_1_4608012
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Body Building - Training the Pelvic Floor
Jul 8, 2016 | KHMER Times
By Karen Owens
This week I interviewed Elsa, a very talented French midwife living in Phnom Penh. She is very experienced and also teaches ante-natal classes here.
Pelvic floor muscles are found between the thighs and extend from your pubic bone at the front to your spine at the back. These muscles are shaped like a sling and support and hold the uterus, vagina, bowels and bladder in position. They also help to control urination. With age, the pelvic muscles can become weak.
Who should do pelvic floor training?
Women who have given birth either naturally or by caesarian section will benefit from pelvic floor exercises. I am also starting to see women who were never pregnant but have an incontinence problem. It can also be helpful for mature women who have incontinence or uterine prolapse problems. In some cases these exercises can help people avoid surgery for these diagnoses. Uterine prolapse occurs when weak or damaged muscles and ligaments allow the uterus to slip into the vagina. In some cases this can lead to severe prolapse of the entire uterus prolapsing.
How does pregnancy affect the pelvic floor?
During daily life there is a lot of pressure pushing on the pelvic floor muscles, for example when you sneeze, cough or hold equipment during exercise. All these pressures can little by little damage the pelvic floor and lead to future incontinence issues. So during pregnancy there is more pressure on the pelvic floor, while giving birth naturally causes severe trauma for these muscles.
What are the benefits of pelvic floor muscle exercises?
They will help prevent urinary and stool incontinence and also future prolapse issues. It also helps women learn more about the intimate parts of their body.
When should you start doing pelvic floor training?
Ideally it is commenced six weeks after birth. However it can be done later and anytime there is an incontinence issues.
Do you need a teacher to learn these exercises?
Yes, it is best to have a teacher and ideally a midwife because they can teach you the manual way to do it. Physiotherapists can also do it but they cannot conduct vaginal examinations to check that the exercises are done correctly.
What are the exercises?
There are two methods
Manual – The teacher helps the women to do simple exercises that will separately stimulate all the muscles of the pelvic floor. Then the women can practice alone at home before their next appointment.
Electronic – With the help of an electronic device, it will give small impulses to reinforce the muscles of the pelvis. The best way is to have a combination of the two methods. Most women need about ten appointments with the teacher to develop the aptitude to do the exercises independently.
So my advice is, to any women who suspect they may have weak pelvic floor muscles, please go and see someone to start the exercises. It is never too late to learn them and they will benefit you.http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/26988/body-building---training-the-pelvic-floor/
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