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Introduction Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is an involuntary loss of urine on effort, physical exertion, or with an increase in the intraabdominal pressure upon sneezing or coughing ( ). Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is clinically defined as “the descent of…
Introduction Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs), including urinary incontinence (UI), pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and anorectal disorders, are prevalent conditions that have a significant negative impact on women’s quality of life. The main approach to evaluating these conditions starts with a…
Historical perspective The first endoscopic technique for evaluating the female urethra and bladder was described by Bozzini in 1805 and used candlelight reflected through a funnel in the urethra. Nineteenth-century refinements to this crude instrument included a surrounding cannula and,…
Introduction to urodynamics The term urodynamics means observation of the changing function of the lower urinary tract (LUT) over time. Specifically, urodynamic studies are a number of interactive diagnostic tests that can be used to obtain functional information about bladder…
Introduction Sexual health is an important component of a woman’s well-being. Evidence suggests that healthy sexual functioning is a fundamental component of a woman’s sense of self and quality of life. Diminished sexual function has been found to correlate with…
Introduction The term pelvic floor disorders includes urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sensory and emptying abnormalities of the lower urinary and gastrointestinal tracts. Pelvic floor disorders are common in women and often coexist, so it is important…
Introduction The purposes of any classification system are to facilitate understanding of disease etiology and pathophysiology, to help establish and standardize treatment and research guidelines, and to avoid confusion among those who are concerned with the problem. Classification systems for…
Introduction The female pelvis is comprised of a complex, interconnected network of connective tissues and muscles that collectively work together to provide support to the pelvic organs. The vagina also provides support to the pelvic organs by supporting the urethra…
Epidemiology Female pelvic floor disorders include urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and anal incontinence, as well as emptying disorders of the lower urinary and gastrointestinal tracts. These conditions can have a significant impact on a woman’s functioning and quality of…
Introduction This chapter addresses the pathophysiology of stress urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence (FI). As Fig. 5.1 depicts, overlap of pelvic floor disorders in women suggests that there may be common risk factors or a common pathophysiology…