Pelvic Floor Dysfunction After Childbirth: Occupational Impact and Awareness of Available Treatment

Abstract

Postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) has been identified as a significant public health issue. The study aimed to (a) identify the impact of PFD on parous women’s occupations, (b) explore how PFD impacts daily life, and (c) determine the level of awareness regarding availability of PFD treatment. The preliminary study utilized a mixed-methods descriptive design. In total, 255 participants completed the Mothers and Children (MAC) survey, distributed electronically throughout the United States. Results indicated that PFD symptoms limit parous women’s occupational performance, specifically sexual activity and exercise. Despite results indicating PFD significantly detracted from participants’ daily life, 66.8% of participants reported having no awareness of pelvic floor rehabilitation to address PFD. Findings suggest that further research and increased advocacy within the field of occupational therapy are necessary to increase the awareness of PFD rehabilitation and mitigate the impact on women’s lives after childbirth.

Perceptions of pelvic floor dysfunction and rehabilitation care amongst women in southeast China after radical hysterectomy: a qualitative study

“…PFD is defined as a broad set of pelvic floor conditions such as urinary incontinence, constipation, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction and chronic pelvic pain syndrome [ 4 ]. These conditions impose heavy physical and mental burden to women and greatly influence their daily lives [ 5 ] and psychological health [ 6 ] by negatively impacting their self-care activity and family and work relationships. A study reported that the prevalence of PFD in low- and middle-income countries is 25% [ 7 ].…”

“…Pelvic organ prolapse also affects 9.67% of urban Chinese women [ 9 ]. A study in the USA showed that 66.8% of participants are not aware of pelvic floor rehabilitation to address PFD [ 5 ]. For women who develop PFD after undergoing radical hysterectomy, rehabilitation therapy and care are often the primary choice in postoperative rehabilitation; this treatment modality can remarkably improve PFD and prevent its development [ 10 ].…”

Perceptions of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Rehabilitation Care Among Women in Southeast China After Radical Hysterectomy: a Qualitative Study

“…Its main symptoms are urinary incontinence, constipation, pelvic organ prolapses, and sexual dysfunction [4]. These symptoms impose heavy physical and mental burden to women and greatly in uence their daily lives [5] and psychological health [6], such as by negatively impacting their self-care activity and family and work relationships. A study reported that the prevalence of PFDs in low-and middle-income countries is 25% [7].…”

“…Pelvic organ prolapses also affect 9.67% of urban Chinese women [9]. A study in the USA showed that 66.8% of participants are not aware of pelvic oor rehabilitation to address PFD [5]. To the best of our knowledge, perceptions of PFD and rehabilitation care among Chinese women after radical hysterectomy have not been explored yet.…”

Effect of Epidural Analgesia on Pelvic Floor Dysfunction at 6 Months Postpartum in Primiparous Women: A Prospective Cohort Study

“…The etiopathology of PFD is multifactorial, and child birth, especially vaginal delivery, is a crucial contributing factor acknowledged by numerous studies. 2 , 3 , 4 The structure of the pelvic floor is complex, with multiple layers of fascia, muscles, and ligaments covering and attaching the pelvic outlet, which play an essential role in pelvic floor function, including supporting, opening, closing, and sexual activities. Vaginal delivery can cause the structure to be overstretched and lead to irreversible anatomical and functional damage.…”