Using the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire and Lifestyle Modifications to Improve Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Abstract

Pelvic floor disorders (PFD) occur when the muscles that comprise the pelvic floor fail to properly contract. This can cause urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapses, fecal incontinence, or other sensory and emptying abnormalities of the lower urinary and GI tracts [1,2]. Current evidence shows that individuals with low back pain have a significant decrease in pelvic floor function compared to individuals without LBP [3]. Over 25% of all women and more than a third over the age of 65 experience PFD. Even though it is a physiological problem, the psychosocial impact of PFD can be much more detrimental to the patient’s quality of life. Over the next 30 years chronic health problems associated with PFD are projected to increase by 50% due to the increasing numbers of women reaching age 65 [4]. PFD does not typically have one specific cause. Pregnancy/childbirth, age, hormonal changes, obesity, lower UTI, and pelvic surgery are major risk factors. Additionally, anatomical, physiological, genetic, reproductive and lifestyle components are probably PFD developmental influences [1,4].