Pelvic Floor News and Research

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The pelvic floor is a thin but strong sheet of muscle and connective tissue that closes off the pelvic cavity from below. It supports the pelvic organs, which include the urinary bladder, the uterus, cervix and vagina, and the last part of the large bowel (the rectum) in women. In men, it contains the bladder and the rectum.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy can reduce pain during intercourse

One in five women experience pain during intercourse. The latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the bible of American psychiatrists, lists it under "genito-pelvic pain or penetration disorder."

26 May 2021

Despite advances, childbirth is not likely to become easier for women from a biological perspective

Despite advances in medicine and technology, childbirth isn't likely to get much easier on women from a biological perspective.

23 Apr 2021

App-based treatment for urinary incontinence was as effective as in-person treatment

A mobile app designed to help women manage urinary incontinence was as effective as usual, in-person treatment of incontinence in primary care, according to new research from the Netherlands.

10 Mar 2021

UH researcher receives $1.6 million to reverse urinary incontinence

A University of Houston researcher is working to reverse pelvic floor dysfunction which can result in urinary incontinence, a condition affecting 30-60% of the female population and 5-15% of males.

15 Oct 2020

Study examines knowledge and use of Kegels that treat and prevent urinary incontinence

Kegels are underused to treat and prevent urinary incontinence, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

14 Oct 2020

Pre-frailty occurs in 45% of 40-49 year old people, study finds

With all eyes on avoiding major illness this year, health researchers are urging people as young as 40 to build physical and mental health to reduce or even avoid 'frailty' and higher mortality risk.

16 Apr 2020

Magnetic stimulation of rectal nerves could help treat fecal incontinence

An ongoing study by the Medical College of Georgia on the role of magnetic stimulation of the rectal nerves to achieve better bowel control in patients with fecal incontinence is showing early promise. The technique is called translumbosacral neuromodulation therapy, or TNT.

2 Apr 2020

Individualized pelvic physical therapy decreases incontinence, pain in post-prostatectomy patients

For decades, therapy to strengthen pelvic muscles has been the standard treatment for men dealing with urinary incontinence after prostate surgery. But a new study from UT Southwestern's Departments of Urology and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation suggests that may not be the best approach.

30 Dec 2019

Pilot study to explore vaginal birth-induced pelvic floor injury and recovery

If a new mother sustains an injury to her levator ani muscle--the main muscle supporting the pelvic floor--during vaginal childbirth, that woman is at risk of developing a pelvic floor disorder. Such an injury can have a substantial impact on a woman's quality of life.

22 Dec 2019

Patients' health values can impact success of treatment for pelvic floor problems

Researchers and health professionals in Swansea have revealed the value women put on their own health can have a direct effect on the success of medical treatment for pelvic floor problems.

21 Dec 2019

Loyola launches study to determine factors impacting young women's pelvic health

A multidisciplinary team at Loyola Medicine is launching a clinical research study to determine the most prevalent factors impacting young women's pelvic health.

27 Nov 2019

Sexual dysfunction is a common complication in type 1 diabetes patients

A recent study published in Muscle & Nerve explored the prevalence of male sexual dysfunction in type 1 diabetes. Written by Ana Calzada-Reyes of Havana, Cuba, the study investigated the "prevalence of sexual dysfunction in a sample of males with type 1 diabetes."

20 Nov 2019

Embarrassing symptoms prevent women from seeking treatment for pelvic floor disorders

Nearly 25% of women live with treatable conditions known as pelvic floor disorders, but there is one main reason why the vast majority of them will not seek treatment: they are too embarrassed to talk about it.

20 Nov 2019

Effective non-surgical treatment options for urinary incontinence

A common myth about urinary incontinence (the loss of bladder control or urinary leakage) in women is that surgery is your only option.

10 Nov 2019

Hysterectomy and mesh support used to repair vaginal prolapse may have similar outcomes

Two surgical procedures used to repair vaginal prolapse - one involving removal of the uterus via hysterectomy and the other employing mesh support that preserves the uterus - have comparable clinical outcomes after three years, according to new data from researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine.

17 Sep 2019

Two-thirds of women over 40 suffer from bladder leakage, research shows

Commissioned by pelvic floor muscle trainer Pelviva, the research of 2,000 women aged over 40 confirms this is one of the biggest areas of female public health, which demands immediate attention by all healthcare professionals.

5 Sep 2019

Transobturator sling surgery shows promise for stress urinary incontinence

A recent study from the Mayo Clinic researchers has shown that surgery for management of stress urinary incontinence can yield better results than conservative methods such as exercise and urethral inserts.

16 Jul 2019

Botulinum toxin may offer relief from chronic pelvic pain in women with endometriosis

Pelvic pain associated with endometriosis often becomes chronic and can persist (or recur) following surgical and hormonal interventions.

11 Jul 2019

Study reveals reasons for delay in pelvic organ prolapse treatment

Many women do not seek early treatment for pelvic organ prolapse due to confusion and a lack of awareness around the condition’s symptoms – and feelings of shame and embarrassment – according to new research.

3 May 2019

FDA orders surgical mesh manufacturers to stop selling and distributing their products in the U.S.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today ordered the manufacturers of all remaining surgical mesh products indicated for the transvaginal repair of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) to stop selling and distributing their products in the U.S. immediately.

17 Apr 2019