Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Its Merit in the Treatment of Female Urogenital Pain.

Abstract

Female urogenital pain (FUGP) affects many women and is often a diagnosis of exclusion. The long path to a diagnosis and subsequent treatment frequently leads to suffering on the individual's behalf (Obstet. Gynecol. 121: 645-50, 2013). Additionally, this delay in diagnosis and thus treatment places stress on the US medical system (Obstet. Gynecol. 121: 645-50, 2013). There is a lack of knowledge regarding the scope of pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) across the medical community that may prevent physicians from referring patients (J Urol. 193:1545-53, 2015; Sex Med Rev., 2021). PFPT is a low-risk, potentially high-reward option that should be recognized as part of the multidisciplinary approach to managing FUGP. Research databases (PubMed and Cochrane) were used to find articles on FUGP between 2005 and 2022. Systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective cohorts, and case-study analyses were included in reviewing the literature. The most recent studies in the last 2years show the benefit of PFPT in certain FUGP diagnoses with improved pain scores and function when compared to no intervention or placebo treatment. The aim of this article is to elucidate the scope of PFPT in the treatment of FUGP with supporting research findings regarding efficacy. It is clear from the literature that PFPT should be recognized by referring physicians as part of a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of FUGP.