Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Definition and Epidemiology

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a complex set of conditions resulting from deficient pelvic floor support, most commonly manifesting as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, anal incontinence, and defecatory dysfunction, affecting approximately 25% to 33% of postmenopausal women 1, 2, 3
The lifetime risk of requiring surgical intervention for pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence by age 80 is approximately 11% 1, 2, 3

The annual direct costs for urinary incontinence are substantial, estimated at $12 billion 1, 2, 3
The annual direct costs for pelvic organ prolapse are estimated at $1 billion 1, 2, 3
The annual direct costs for anal incontinence are estimated at more than $25 million 1, 2, 3

Advanced age is a key predisposing factor for pelvic floor dysfunction 1, 4
Menopause is a risk factor for pelvic floor dysfunction 1
Vaginal multiparity is a risk factor for pelvic floor dysfunction 1, 4
Obesity is a risk factor for pelvic floor dysfunction 1
Chronic straining during defecation is a risk factor for pelvic floor dysfunction 1, 4
Conditions causing chronic increased intra-abdominal pressure are risk factors for pelvic floor dysfunction 1, 4

The primary goal of any treatment strategy is to improve the patient's quality of life, as the condition primarily causes morbidity but is not life-threatening 1, 2, 3