Vulvar Health Throughout the Lifespan
Vulvar Health Throughout the Lifespan
This course includes
The instructors
Overview
The vulva and vagina undergo significant changes across the lifespan, many of which are hormonally mediated and linked to puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Despite these common changes, many women feel hesitant to discuss vulvar or vaginal concerns due to stigma or uncertainty about what is “normal.” This hesitation can delay care and may worsen existing conditions.
Clinicians play an essential role in empowering women with knowledge—helping them understand what is typical at different stages of life, when to seek medical attention, and how to promote vulvar health.
This on-demand course will provide a comprehensive review of vulvar anatomy and physiology throughout the lifespan, along with practical guidance on vulvar care and the management of common vulvar conditions.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify vulvar anatomy and understand what is considered normal across the lifespan.
- Describe age-related changes of the vulva.
- Review best practices for general vulvar care.
- Describe common vulvar conditions, diagnosis and management
- Discuss the role of vulvar biopsy and appropriate use of steroids.
Audience
This course is for any healthcare professional, including physiotherapists and occupational therapists who work with women.
Registration and What's Included
The investment to register for this course is CAD $75.
This course includes:
- Access to the course on Embodia for 2 years
- The instructor's email
- Slides and resources
- Certificate of completion
The instructors
MN, NP-PHC
Kathryn Flanigan graduated from University of Toronto with her BScN a long time ago. She subsequently completed her Nurse Practitioner (NP) certificate in primary health care from Western University, then returned to complete her Master in Nursing. Kathryn was the recipient of the 2013-2014 Elizabeth Wooster Gold Medal Award for highest academic standing in the MScN program at Western.
She has worked for 9 years at a Community Health Centre in Kitchener Ontario. Since 2009, she has worked as a nurse practitioner at the Centre for Family Medicine (CFFM) Family Health Team. Part of her work includes smoking cessation counseling and management of women’s health issues.
Kathryn manages UI, prolapse and pessary care in her clinic. She also runs a multi-disciplinary Women’s Health Procedures Clinic at CFFM where they offer IUD insertions, endometrial biopsies and vulvar biopsies and menopause management for rostered patients. She regularly organizes workshops and presents webinars for NPs, primary care providers and learners.
She is an Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University. Kathryn received an award for Interdisciplinary Preceptor of the Year from McMaster Family Medicine Residents, Waterloo Campus in 2019, 2023 and 2024. She is also a member of the Canadian Menopause Society and an advisory board member of NPCircle.
Material included in this course
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Course Materials
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Welcome and Slides
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Full presentation
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Feedback
Is a certificate of completion included with this course?
Once you have completed the course, a certificate of completion (including learning hours and course information) will be generated. You can download this certificate at any time. To learn more about course certificates on Embodia please visit this guide.
This can be used for continuing education credits, depending on your professional college or association. If this course has been approved for CEUs in specific jurisdictions, it will be noted on the course page and CEU information may be added to your course certificate. Please read this guide for more information.