Prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction among obstetricians/ gynecologists and factors influencing the choice of therapeutic approaches

Objective. To estimate the overall prevalence, age structure, leading syndrome of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) among obstetricians/gynecologists and to identify factors influencing the choice of therapeutic approaches. Material and methods. 428 questionnaires anonymously completed by obstetricians/gynecologists were analyzed. Results. The frequency of PFD in the examined cohort was about 58% and depended on age. The symptoms of prolapse were observed in 34.1% of the respondents, colorectal and urinary symptoms were seen in 33.6 and 34.6%, respectively; the symptoms of sexual dysfunction were in 41.6%. Moreover, only 12.5% of the respondents had objective information about PFD revealed by examinations. The physicians who took part in the survey regarded medical methods as f irst-line therapy, while choosing more often pelvic floor muscle training and, to a lesser extent, pessaries. 2.1% preferred surgical tactics. 46.4% ignored the early, but obvious signs of illness, by selecting none of the management options proposed in the questionnaire. Conclusion. More than half of the physicians pay undue regard to their health, which requires that the medical opinion leaders and general public should draw attention to the discussed problem and that the knowledge and skills of obstetricians/gynecologists in the early diagnosis of PFD and its medical treatment should be enhanced in the continuing medical education system.

pelvic floor dysfunction, prolapse, urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, pelvic floor muscle training, pessaries