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Pelvic disorders affect large number of women, UT Southwestern researchers find
September 18, 2008
Nearly one-quarter of all women suffer from pelvic-floor disorders, such as incontinence, at some point in their lives, a national study, including researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center, has found. The study of nearly 2,000 women in seven U.S. cities found that 23.7 percent of participants had experienced at least one pelvic-floor disorder, and the risk increased with age.
"This study is the first nationwide study to confirm what we consider a high prevalence of pelvic-floor disorders in the U.S.," said Dr. Joseph Schaffer, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UT Southwestern and an author of the study, which appears in today's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
"Nearly a quarter of all women suffer from at least one pelvic-floor disorder, and, with the aging of the population, this will become more prevalent," he said.
The national rate of pelvic-floor disorders has not been well-studied, although several regional studies have found that almost 10 percent of women go through surgery for such conditions at some point in their lives, while one-third of those women have two or more surgeries.
The current study was designed to assess the national rate of such disorders. The participating women were interviewed in 2005 and 2006 at their homes or at a mobile interview center and did not undergo physical examination. The questions were part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
For the current study, the researchers focused on three conditions: urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence and symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse, which occurs when women can feel or see an organ dropping or bulging in the vaginal area. This can indicate a dropping of the uterus, bladder or rectum as supporting structures weaken.
The researchers interviewed 1,961 nonpregnant women older than 20. Overall, 15.7 percent of women experienced urinary incontinence; 9 percent experienced fecal incontinence; and 2.9 percent reported symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse. In all, 23.7 percent reported one or more conditions.
The rates of the conditions went up substantially with the number of childbirths and with age. They were also were higher among the poor or less educated. Obesity also increased the risk. Race or ethnicity had no effect on the conditions.
"Physicians with expertise in caring for pelvic-floor disorders offer a variety of nonsurgical and surgical treatments that can significantly improve the quality of life for patients with these problems," Dr. Schaffer said. "Patients with pelvic-floor disorders should be encouraged to seek care from health care providers, particularly those with expertise in pelvic-floor medicine and surgery."
UT Southwestern Medical Center
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Heal Pelvic Pain: The Proven Stretching, Strengthening, and Nutrition Program for Relieving Pain, Incontinence,& I.B.S, and Other Symptoms Without Surgery
by Amy Stein (Author)
Bronze Medal Winner of a 2009 National Health Information Award Stop your pelvic pain . . . naturally! If you suffer from an agonizing and emotionally stressful pelvic floor disorder, including pelvic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, prostatitis, incontinence, or discomfort during sex, urination, or bowel movements, it's time to alleviate your symptoms and start healing--without drugs or surgery. Natural cures, in the form of exercise, nutrition, massage, and self-care therapy, focus on the underlying cause of your pain, heal your condition, and stop your pain forever. The life-changing plan in this book gets to the root of your disorder with: A stretching, muscle-strengthening, and massage program you can do at home ...
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Evidence-Based Physical Therapy for the Pelvic Floor: Bridging Science and Clinical Practice
by Kari Bo Professor PT PhD (Author), Bary Berghmans PhD MSc RPt (Author), Siv Morkved PT MSc PhD (Author), Marijke Van Kampen PhD (Author)
This unique book bridges the gap between evidence-based research and clinical practice. Edited by Kari Bo who has done pioneering research in this area, each chapter focuses on the evidence, from basic studies (theories or rationales for the treatment) and RCTs (appraisal of effectiveness), to the implications of these for clinical practice, and finally in recommendations on how to start, continue and progress treatment.
Detailed treatment strategies - pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback, electrical stimulation.Information on pelvic floor dysfunction in specific groups - men, children, elite athletes, the elderly, pregnancy, neurological diseases.Detailed illustrations of pelvic floor anatomy and related neuroanatomy/neurophysiology.MRIs and ultrasounds showing normal and...
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Combining scientific principles with movement and imagery exercises that are both effective and fun, this book demonstrates how to create a stronger body by toning the pelvic floor. Focusing on the biomechanics of the pelvic floor, which acts as a support for the inner organs and contains a passage for the urethra, the sex organs, and the rectum, this guide shows how the pelvic floor plays an important role in almost all movements, balance, and body posture. The exercises train the muscles and joints and improve the tone of the organs, thereby increasing energy flow, eliminating incontinence, and keeping sexual organs healthy. The mind-body techniques are used to increase awareness of this part of the body and to improve sexual stamina.
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InControl Pelvic Exercises for Women
Starring: Karen Armstrong, Ann Arnoult Directed By: Karen Armstrong
Incontinence, sexual response and recovery from childbirth can be successfully dealt with and improved with the simple set of Pilates-based exercises designed to strengthen your pelvic floor. InControl begins with a brief explanation of the anatomy of your pelvic floor and internal organs. It is then divided into two easy to follow routines: a 12-minute beginner and a 9-minute advance routine (the advance segment requires a resistance band and an exercise ball).
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The The Pelvic Floor
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The remarkably complex pelvic floor and its disorders comprise one of the most interesting -- and challenging -- areas of physical therapy. And recently, common problems once considered taboo, such as incontinence, have become mainstream issues. More than ever before, a solid understanding of the structure and function of the manifold problems of the pelvic floor is vital to successful treatment. This groundbreaking work brings together an international team of world-renowned experts in the treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence, as well as sexual dysfunction, to provide a comprehensive guide to the structure and function of the muscles of the pelvic floor. Using concise text and clear illustrations and helpful photographs, the authors present all...
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FitBALL Exercises for the Pelvic Floor DVD with Beate Carriere
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Incontinence due to a weak pelvic floor is an issue that many men, women, and children face daily. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles with simple exercises can be an effective way for incontinence sufferers to get their lives under control. FitBALLs DVD Exercises for the Pelvic Floor is a 20 minute workout routine developed by physical trainer Beate Carriere. Exercises for the Pelvic Floor teaches viewers how to use an exercise ball to strengthen the pelvic floor and includes information on available treatment options. This DVD is perfect for physical trainers, fitness professionals and in-home users. Great for use with Beate Carrieres book Fitness for the Pelvic Floor.
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Fitness for the Pelvic Floor
by Beate Carriere (Author)
Incontinence affects four out of 10 women, about one out of 10 men, and about 17% of children below age 15. The most common reason for admitting a family member to a nursing home is the family's inability to cope with incontinence. It is estimated that in the US incontinence costs 26 billion dollars a year. While it is common to exercise many parts of the body to stay fit, very little attention is paid to exercising the pelvic floor. Many exercises exist for the general fitness of the body, strengthening of the arms and legs and the abdominal and back muscles. Finding fun exercises for the pelvic floor involves searching through a great deal of literature; finding exercises suitable for men, women, and children that are fun and effective appears to be impossible. This book...
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Anatomical Model Composite Human Pelvis & Pelvic Floor-267A
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Pelvic Floor Re-education: Principles and Practice
by Kaven Baessler (Editor), Bernhard Schüssler (Editor), Kathryn L. Burgio (Editor), Kate H. Moore (Editor), Peggy A. Norton (Editor), Stuart Stanton (Editor)
The 2nd edition of "Pelvic Floor Re-education" provides a comprehensive overview of the subject, along with other aspects of the clinical assessment and management of pelvic floor disorders. Starting with the latest theories on anatomy, pathophysiology and possible causes of pelvic floor damage, the importance of pelvic floor evaluation is looked at to determine the type of treatment. Practical techniques of muscle assessment and investigative methodologies are reviewed and up-to-date information on anatomy and physiology is discussed. An algorithmic approach takes the reader through the options for clinical evaluation and treatment. This practical book is invaluable reading for all health care professionals working with incontinent patients,...
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