Preventing Pelvic Floor Disorders

Scientific data show that pelvic floor disorders (such as urinary incontinence—urine/pee leakage, bowel incontinence and vaginal prolapse) are widespread among women. The primary causes include childbearing, ageing, menopause and genetics. Pelvic floor disorders can affect a woman's quality of life. As a result, they can have psychological, emotional, social and financial effects. Each woman is different, so each woman suffers differently and to a different degree. It is difficult to quantify the negative effects and their costs.

Dramatic costs can be associated with pelvic floor disorders. Proactive care, striving for prevention, is a proven cost-effective approach. Early intervention, matched to a woman's personal management goals, may help reduce the financial and social costs.

Although women know that they carry the responsibility for their own health outcomes, a compassionate healthcare practitioner can guide them through managing their pelvic floor issues. Many women do not seek medical care because they are embarrassed about their condition. Healthcare practitioners are sensitive to women with these disorders and they, together with recommended treatments, can have a positive impact on the quality of a woman's life.

A reasonable starting point for physicians and other clinicians is to focus on assessment of the patient to identify modifiable risk factors for pelvic floor weakness. The aim is to prevent or manage a pelvic floor disorder while it is in the early stage of developing. Most of all, women should begin early pelvic floor reeducation. This is done by means of exercises to strengthen and train the pelvic floor muscles. Kegel exercises are a good example. With biofeedback techniques, they can be of fundamental importance in preventing incontinence and pelvic floor prolapse. Practicing such exercises can help prevent a pelvic floor disorder. For example, scientific data show that in the immediate postpartum period pelvic floor reeducation (doing pelvic floor muscle exercises) with biofeedback may reduce the risk of future urinary incontinence and pelvic floor prolapse.

Perimenopausal women who may be affected by incontinence or pelvic floor prolapse can also engage in preventive measures. Pelvic floor reeducation with biofeedback may help to prevent or delay the onset of troublesome pelvic symptoms.

The evidence is clear that prevention can make a difference.

For more information on pelvic floor reeducation:

• Kegel Exercises
• Pelvic Floor Reeducation with LadySystem® Vaginal Cones
• How to Use LadySystem® - Video Presentation