Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Women

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to give an overview of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) dysfunction in women including evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. The prevalence of PFM dysfunction is thought to be higher in women and may contribute to urinary, defecatory, and sexual dysfunction, as well as chronic pelvic pain. PFM dysfunction is more prevalent amongst athletes, women who have given birth, and postmenopausal women than the general population. Stress and urge incontinence, urinary frequency and urgency, functional constipation, and fecal incontinence are all symptoms that may result from PFM dysfunction. PFM dysfunction can also cause chronic pain as seen in pelvic floor myofascial pain syndrome, bladder pain syndrome, and vestibulodynia/vulvodynia. Physiatrists play a key role in the comprehensive management of these conditions via behavioral and lifestyle modifications, focused pelvic physical therapy interventions, medications, and therapeutic injections.