AskQENDO

In this episode of the ASK QENDO Podcast, we sit down with pelvic health physiotherapist Zara Howard to explore the complexity of pain, the role of physiotherapy in endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain care, and the power of understanding how our bodies respond to pain.Zara discusses how pain is influenced by more than tissue damage alone, including the nervous and immune systems, inflammation, emotions, experiences and our environment. We also unpack common misconceptions about pelvic physiotherapy, including internal pelvic floor assessments and the importance of informed, consent-based care.Pain is complex, and education can be a powerful part of care. Understanding how pain works can help reduce fear and uncertainty while building greater confidence and compassion for our bodies."We're not just tissue. We're not just a chunk of meat. We're not just all of these little lesions inside our body." ca— Zara HowardThe views and experiences shared by guests are their own. This podcast is for information, education and support purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please note: The views and experiences shared by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of QENDO. This podcast is intended for information, education, and support only and should not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare team. We encourage listeners to seek personalised medical advice regarding their individual circumstances.

In this episode, we sit down with Ash Webb from the QENDO Operations Team to explore her personal journey with endometriosis, infertility, ADHD, and navigating life while living in a rural community.Ash shares how, from a young age, she recognised that her experience of periods and pain seemed very different from those around her. While other women in her workplace appeared to carry on without interruption, Ash found herself regularly needing time off due to severe pain and heavy bleeding. She reflects on the lack of meaningful menstrual health education she received at school, her path to diagnosis, and the surgery that revealed extensive endometriosis, including ovarian cysts and endometriomas ("chocolate cysts").The conversation also explores the realities of infertility, the emotional and physical toll of multiple IVF cycles, becoming a parent, and receiving a recent ADHD diagnosis after a lifetime of masking. Through it all, Ash shares the lessons she's learned about advocating for herself, navigating uncertainty, and finding support along the way.The severity of endometriosis symptoms cannot be measured by what is seen during surgery alone.As Ash discusses, the amount of disease present does not always correlate with the amount of pain someone experiences. Every person's experience is unique and deserves to be taken seriously."I looked around and saw other women going about their lives without needing time off every month, and I realised what I was experiencing wasn't normal."Ash's story highlights how many people spend years normalising symptoms because they lack the language, education, or support to understand what they're experiencing. Whether it's endometriosis, infertility, or ADHD, receiving a diagnosis can often be less about finding something "new" and more about finally making sense of a lifetime of experiences.A special note from Ash to her Mum ❤️Mum, thank you for always showing me that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. Your belief in me and the support you give me and my family never goes unnoticed. Thank you for always jumping in, especially looking after my boys so I can continue doing the work that means so much to me. And thank you from all those living with endometriosis and/or pelvic pain who you’ve supported along the way. Whether it’s sharing information, taking flyers to someone who needs them, or simply showing that you care. You make a difference. I’m incredibly lucky to call you Mum. ❤️The views and experiences shared by guests are their own. This podcast is for information, education and support purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please note: The views and experiences shared by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of QENDO. This podcast is intended for information, education, and support only and should not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare team. We encourage listeners to seek personalised medical advice regarding their individual circumstances.

Living with endometriosis or persistent pelvic pain can affect so much more than physical symptoms. It can influence confidence, body image, relationships, communication, and the way we experience intimacy with ourselves and others.In this episode of ASKQENDO, we sit down with Sexologist and Sex Therapist Kate Fisher to explore the often-overlooked conversation around sex, intimacy, and endometriosis. Together, we unpack what sex and intimacy really mean, challenge common misconceptions, and discuss how these experiences can evolve throughout different stages of life and while living with chronic illness.Kate shares practical guidance on recognising when additional support may be helpful, navigating conversations with partners, managing feelings of shame and vulnerability, and creating space for curiosity, compassion, and connection. Whether you're in a relationship, single, or simply wanting to better understand your own relationship with intimacy, this episode offers thoughtful insights to help you feel less alone and more empowered.One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that communication is key. Open, honest conversations with yourself and your partner create opportunities to redefine intimacy, reduce pressure, build trust, and navigate change together. There is no "right" way to experience intimacy—only what feels right for you and your relationship.Kate also reminds us that many of the messages we receive about sex and intimacy come from unrealistic portrayals in movies, television, and social media. Rather than comparing your relationship to someone else's, this episode encourages you to define intimacy on your own terms, replacing self-blame with self-compassion and creating meaningful emotional and physical connection in ways that work for you.Resources mentioned in this episode:Neuroanatomy of the clitoris: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.18.712572v1Finally, the clitoris is getting the attention it deserves: https://www.theguardian.com/society/commentisfree/2026/apr/01/finally-clitoris-getting-attention-it-deservesIf this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit from the conversation.Please note: The views and experiences shared by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of QENDO. This podcast is intended for information, education, and support only and should not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare team. We encourage listeners to seek personalised medical advice regarding their individual circumstances.

In this foundational episode of the ASK QENDO Podcast, we unpack the complexities of endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, and chronic pelvic pain in a way that's approachable, evidence-based, and empowering.Whether you're newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or looking to better understand your own symptoms, this conversation explores why these conditions are often more complex than they first appear. We discuss the importance of quality imaging, symptom and cycle tracking, the many factors that influence pain, and why there is rarely a single treatment that works for everyone.Most importantly, we explore how taking a holistic, individualised approach can help people better understand their bodies, advocate for their care, and navigate their health journey with greater confidence.A key message from this episode is that a recurrence of pain does not always mean a recurrence of endometriosis. Pain is influenced by many factors, including stress, sleep, work, relationships, study, mental health, and the nervous system. Understanding the bigger picture is essential for effective long-term management.As discussed in the episode, "There is no one fix, and some things will work better for you than others. To have all your hopes on one thing fixing everything is unrealistic — and potentially dangerous."One of the most important insights from this conversation is that endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain are not simply physical conditions — they are complex experiences influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. High-quality imaging, symptom tracking, and multidisciplinary care can each provide valuable pieces of the puzzle, but sustainable management often comes from understanding the whole person, not just the diagnosis.Please note: The views and experiences shared by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of QENDO. This podcast is intended for information, education, and support only and should not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare team. We encourage listeners to seek personalised medical advice regarding their individual circumstances.PCOS terminology update: This episode was recorded before the internationally recommended terminology update for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Some terminology used during the conversation reflects the language that was current at the time of recording.