Impact of pelvic floor educational sessions on teenage girls

Abstract

Our objective was to evaluate the impact of pelvic floor educational sessions on teenage girls about their general knowledge of pelvic floor disorders (PFD) and the anatomy of the pelvic floor. Educational sessions were offered to teenage girls from middle and high schools in the city of Caen. Each session included pelvic floor anatomy, urinary and digestive physiology as well as situations that favor PFD. At the beginning and end of the session, the participants received a questionnaire on their knowledge and questions concerning their satisfaction were asked at the end of the session. A questionnaire was sent at 2 months to assess the changes in their urinary and digestive habits as well as the dissemination of information to those around them. One hundred and five teenage girls, average age 15, participated in these sessions; 61% responded at 2 months. The educational sessions have significantly improved knowledge about the pelvic floor. After the sessions, 92% and 52% reported having changed their urinary and defecatory habits. Participants found the sessions very useful and all participants recommended these sessions to a friend. Pelvic floor educational sessions improve the knowledge of teenage girls and limit behaviors that favor PFD. Teenage satisfaction is important and the dissemination of information is high. A pelvic floor educational program in schools could help limit risky behaviors for the pelvic floor.