Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

This is a mixed-method study aimed at gathering new evidence on reproductive health among female service members in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Reproductive health includes four primary domains: contraception; undesired reproductive outcomes (including unintended pregnancy, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and infertility); assisted reproductive care; and pelvic floor dysfunctions. Additional factors that may influence reproductive outcomes will also be explored, including gynecological health (including but not limited to menstrual health, menopause, breast injury, sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections) as well as physical and psychological health (including but not limited to repetitive strain injuries, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder). Evidence gathered on reproductive health issues will include, but not limited to, the lived experiences (occurrence), associated risk factors, access to care, including barriers and facilitators, service utilization, and career-related impacts among actively serving members and Veterans of the CAF. These will inform the development of recommendations and support services aimed at improving reproductive health care within the CAF. This project is divided into 3 convergent parts: Part 1: An online pan-Canadian survey that will achieve a minimum total sample of 1067 participants. Part 2: Semi-structured individual interviews (open-ended questions) will be conducted with female CAF members and Veterans who have experienced at least one reproductive health issues. A total of 30 participants are estimated to be required to achieve data saturation across the four primary domains. Part 3: Semi-structured group discussion (open-ended questions) will be conducted with healthcare providers, who have experience with treating female reproductive health issues in CAF members, as well as stakeholders and policymakers involved in supporting female members of the CAF/Veterans. A total of 24 healthcare providers/stakeholders/policymakers will form 3 group discussion (8 participants/group). For all 3 parts, efforts in recruitment will be made to ensure representation across CAF elements, minority groups, and native language (French and English).

This prospective observational cohort study aims to investigate the association between maternal musculoskeletal factors of the hip, lumbopelvic, abdominal, and pelvic floor regions and childbirth outcomes, as well as their consequences on pelvic floor function during the postpartum period. A total of 376 pregnant women will be recruited at 36 weeks of gestation and followed until 12 weeks postpartum. Musculoskeletal assessments will include hip range of motion, lumbopelvic mobility, abdominal muscle function, and pelvic floor strength and morphology. Obstetric outcomes such as mode of delivery and perineal trauma will be recorded after childbirth. The study will analyze whether maternal musculoskeletal function during late pregnancy is associated with delivery mode and pelvic floor dysfunction in the postpartum period.

we aim to investigate the relationship between pelvic floor dysfunctions, core endurance, hip external rotation muscle strength, and tibialis posterior and tibialis anterior muscle activation in patients diagnosed with MS

The main goal of this study to compare self-training postpartum and training with a specialist support (physiotherapist and physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor) effect on pelvic floor dysfunction prevention and treatment in postpartum period. Hypothesis: The implementation of postpartum rehabilitation helps to alleviate existing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and prevents pelvic floor dysfunction. Study goals: * To objectively evaluate changes in pelvic organ position and pelvic floor muscle function in postpartum period, before and after specialised rehabilitation program * To objectively evaluate pelvic floor symptoms and their influence on woman life quality * To compare data (changes in pelvic floor muscle coordination and strength, pelvic organ position and changes in life quality according to validated questionnaires) Study participants will: * Get an examination by obstetrician-gynaecologist, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor and physiotherapist in 6 to 10 weeks postpartum period. * One group of participants will attend physiotherapy, biofeedback and electro stimulation procedures with a guidance of a specialist. * Other group of participants gets a recommendations and instructions of training and self-trains at home. To remind of training and help record training time "squeezy" app (an application designed for a mobile device) will be offered. * All groups of participants will be asked to fill life quality related questionnaires: (ICIQ-UI SF: International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire; P-QoL: Prolapse Quality-of-Life Questionnaire; PISQ-IR: Pelvic Organ Prolapse/ Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire IUGA revised; FSFI: female sexual function index; MOS-SF36 Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36).

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing adherence to pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) devices among patients with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) through structured questionnaires, while simultaneously comparing the effectiveness of different feedback modalities, including non-invasive ultrasound imaging and invasive manometry with electromyography (EMG). By integrating subjective adherence data with objective performance outcomes, the project seeks to evaluate the potential of system-level integration for personalized therapeutic strategies, ultimately enhancing treatment efficacy, improving patient satisfaction, and promoting sustained engagement in PFMT.

Uterine fibromatosis is one of the most frequent gynecological conditions; in fact, uterine fibroids involve approximately 25-30% of women during the fertile period. Risk factors for the development of this pathology include age, family history and ethnicity. Multiparity, advanced age for pregnancy and smoking appear to be protective factors. Myomas are responsible for numerous symptoms reported by patients, such as menometrorrhagia, pelvic pain and urinary and/or deficatory symptoms. Although myomas are asymptomatic in almost 50% of cases, they represent the first cause of hysterectomy for benign pathologies (about 2/3 of cases). Urinary symptoms associated with myomas are rarely studied in patients with symptomatic uterine fibromatosis; therefore the impact that this pathology has on the symptoms related to pelvic-perineal dysfunction and what their prevalence is is not well known at present. The prevalence of urinary symptoms in women with uterine myomas is highly variable based on literature data and the studies considered; in fact, the most frequently reported urinary symptoms are urinary urgency (31-59%), dysuria (4-36%) and stress urinary incontinence (20-80%). Furthermore, there is currently no unanimous agreement between the topography and size of myomas and related urinary and pelvic symptoms. The type of treatment varies from single or multiple myomectomy to hysterectomy performed laparoscopically or laparotomy. The choice of surgical approach depends on the number, size and position of myomas. To date, few studies have evaluated the impact of the type of surgical treatment on pelvic floor symptoms. In fact, although hysterectomy is considered a risk factor for the onset of pelvic floor disorders, removal of the uterus can sometimes improve urinary symptoms. However, some authors report, equally, a significant improvement in urinary symptoms after myomectomy. Further studies are needed to clarify the impact of myoma treatment on urinary symptoms.

This study is a single-blind, randomized controlled trial evaluating whether changing the width of the surgical tape (mesh) used in transobturator tape (TOT) surgery improves treatment results in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Two mesh widths are being compared: a 1.2 cm mesh (new method) and a 1.0 cm mesh (standard method). The main goal is to find out if the wider mesh leads to better urinary control and fewer complications. Participants will be followed for one year to measure cure rates, symptom improvement, and satisfaction.

Regular and effective pelvic floor muscle exercises after vaginal birth are crucial in reducing the risk of pelvic floor disorders in women. Pelvic floor muscle exercises are generally encouraged by healthcare providers to their patients after birth. However, it is often difficult to confirm whether a patient is performing pelvic floor muscle contractions correctly. A supervised pelvic floor physiotherapy session allows a professional to assess the pelvic floor and give their verbal feedback to patients. However even in this setting, patient's are reliant on the physiotherapist and have no way to assess their own performance. The 'biofeedback approach' allows for the clinician and patient to visually assess and modify their performance and can potentially allow for more effective therapy and better engagement. Transperineal ultrasonography is a widely available, safe and non-invasive biofeedback tool that can used at the bedside in order to assess pelvic floor muscle contractions. Our aim is to assess if using transperineal ultrasound can enhance the ability of postpartum patients to perform effective pelvic floor muscle therapy.

This study will gauge the efficacy of a home biofeedback treatment device for pelvic floor dysfunction/voiding dysfunction and pelvic pain. Investigators will test the utility of this device as a treatment alternative and/or temporary treatment for a patient's symptoms prior to or perhaps in lieu of their physical therapy appointment.

This observational cross-sectional study investigates the impact of equestrian sports, CrossFit, and gym training on pelvic floor health in both athletes and non-athletes. The study aims to determine whether specific sports are associated with a higher risk of pelvic floor dysfunction, including urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and chronic pelvic pain. Participants will complete an online survey that collects demographic information, sports participation details, and pelvic floor health symptoms. The survey includes standardized questionnaires to assess pelvic floor function. Data will be analyzed to compare the prevalence of pelvic floor issues among different sports and between athletes and non-athletes. The study seeks to provide insights into how sports participation influences pelvic health and to raise awareness of pelvic floor dysfunction in both male and female athletes.

Limited data exist describing the use and role of vibrators in a urogynecology population and no randomized controlled trials investigating the use of vibrators as a therapeutic tool to enhance sexual and pelvic floor function in urogynecology patients has been conducted. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of vibrator use in improving sexual and pelvic floor function in urogynecology patients who report sexual dysfunction.