Many H&W courses include hands-on lab work in which participants will be trained to perform pelvic floor muscle examinations. 

This is my first course with internal exams. What will we cover? 

After an introduction to pelvic floor anatomy, the rationale, indications and contraindications of internal examination will be reviewed. Pelvic floor lab work includes external genitalia identification, palpation externally of pelvic floor muscles and surface anatomy, digital vaginal or rectal palpation of the pelvic floor muscles and pelvic floor muscle testing/pelvic prolapse evaluations.

How are labs set up? 

Labs will take place in an open room with an instructor-to-participant ratio of at least 1:10. During lab time, participants will be asked to work in pairs, taking turns acting as both "models" and evaluators. Instructors and lab technicians will make their way around the room to offer guidance and answer any questions. Sheets are provided for privacy draping. Privacy screens are not a part of lab room set up. No one participant will be required to partner with any other one participant during labs.

Who can participate in internal labs? 

H&W strives to foster an environment that is inclusive and welcomes all professionals who are appropriately licensed at our courses. Having any particular anatomy is not a prerequisite for attending or participating fully in our courses. 

Participants who are pregnant, have medical considerations or for any other reason choose not to participate in labs as a model are able to act as an observer in group of three participants. Those who opt out may not have the opportunity to complete all the lab activities, though they will be able to observe. (The lab time is allocated for groups of two so there may be little time for a third in the group to learn all the techniques instructed.)

Pregnancy Policy 

Participants who are pregnant and wish to participate fully in the course, including in the labs, must bring a clearance letter from their physician allowing them to participate.