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4 March 2008
One-Third Of Women Suffer From A Pelvic Floor Disorder 
One-third of women suffer from one or more pelvic floor disorders, with symptoms such as the frequent urge to urinate, dropped pelvic organs, and incontinence, says new research from Kaiser Permanente. The study was based on the broadest age range of participants to date, of which 80 percent of the 4,000 women studied had given birth. Of those 4,000 women, 25 percent suffered from anal incontinence, 15 percent from stress urinary incontinence, 13 percent from overactive bladder and six percent experienced pelvic organ prolapse. "These conditions really affect women's quality of life. Many women think this is just something they have to deal with as they age and that there isn't anything they can do about it, but that's not true," said Jean M. Lawrence, a research scientist at Kaiser Permanente. Published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, the study found that vaginal births double the rate of pelvic floor disorders compared to Cesarean deliveries and women who have never given birth. "One of the myths surrounding pelvic floor disorder is that it affects only older women, but the truth is these conditions are extremely prevalent and extremely debilitating. But because the subject matter isn't cocktail conversation, women feel isolated and don't seek support and treatment," said study co-author Karl Luber. Over a woman's lifetime, 11 percent are likely to have pelvic surgery for urinary incontinence and/or prolapse while 29 percent will have multiple surgeries for pelvic floor disorders, according to previous studies. Dr. Luber's advice for women with overactive bladders and urgency to urinate, involuntary leaking of urine during physical activity, anal incontinence or sagging pelvic organs is to get educated through internet research or books on the subject, and then find a physician who is trained in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery to seek treatment. "Among the available options for treatment for these common disorders are physical therapy to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, devices that can be fit to support your vaginal walls, and surgery. Many of today's surgeries are very non-invasive and can be done as an outpatient," Luber said. Related:
Childbirth Muscle Damage Linked To Pelvic Prolapse, Incontinence
Study Finds Kegel Exercises Effective For Stopping Incontinence
Loss Of Bladder Control A Taboo Subject
Source: Kaiser Permanente Division of Research
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