Ms Fran Merlo

About me:

I am a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist with a particular interest in helping women and men feel more comfortable, confident and in control of their bodies.

I understand that pelvic health concerns can be deeply personal and may have a significant impact on everyday life, relationships and overall wellbeing. My aim is to provide a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment where patients feel listened to, understood and empowered to take an active role in their recovery.

I take a holistic and individualised approach to treatment, recognising that every person's experience is different. I believe in working collaboratively with my patients, taking the time to understand their symptoms, concerns and goals before developing a tailored treatment plan.

My clinical interests include pelvic pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, bladder and bowel disorders, and sexual health concerns. I support women experiencing conditions such as vaginismus, vulvodynia, endometriosis-related symptoms, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction associated with pregnancy, childbirth and menopause.

I also support men experiencing chronic pelvic pain, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, urinary symptoms, sexual dysfunction and pelvic health concerns following prostate surgery.

My approach combines education, practical strategies and evidence-informed physiotherapy to help patients better understand their bodies, manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Above all, I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard, supported and confident in their healthcare journey. I am passionate about helping patients regain confidence in their bodies and return to the activities that matter most to them.

Conditions I see and treat:

I support women experiencing a wide range of pelvic health concerns, from bladder and bowel symptoms to pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction. Treatment is tailored to each patient's individual symptoms, needs and goals.

Pelvic pain and sexual health

• Pelvic pain and chronic pelvic pain
• Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Vaginismus
• Vulvodynia and vulvar pain
• Endometriosis-related pelvic pain
• Pain associated with pelvic floor muscle tension or overactivity
• Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)

Bladder and urinary symptoms

• Urinary incontinence (stress, urge and mixed)
• Urinary urgency and frequency
• Overactive bladder
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Bladder pain and bladder sensitivity

Bowel and digestive symptoms

• Constipation
• Difficulty emptying the bowel
• Bowel urgency and faecal incontinence
• Pelvic floor dysfunction affecting bowel function

Pelvic floor and prolapse

• Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
• Pelvic floor muscle weakness or overactivity
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Symptoms of vaginal heaviness, pressure or a vaginal bulge
• Pelvic floor muscle coordination difficulties

Women's health and hormonal changes

• Pelvic health concerns associated with menopause
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort
• Pelvic floor symptoms associated with hormonal changes
• Lichen sclerosus-related pelvic floor dysfunction

Pregnancy and postnatal pelvic health

• Pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy
• Pregnancy-related pelvic floor symptoms
• Postnatal pelvic floor rehabilitation
• Urinary or bowel symptoms following childbirth
• Return to exercise and physical activity after childbirth

Men's pelvic health

• Chronic pelvic pain and chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS)
• Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and overactivity
• Urinary incontinence, including post-prostatectomy incontinence
• Urinary urgency and frequency
• Bladder pain and bladder sensitivity
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Erectile dysfunction associated with pelvic floor dysfunction
• Painful ejaculation
• Pain following prostate surgeryPelvic floor rehabilitation following prostatectomy
• Bowel dysfunction and constipation related to pelvic floor dysfunction
• Perineal, penile and testicular pain associated with pelvic floor dysfunctio