Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026
08:58
Development of a Uterosacral Ligament Suspension Rat Model
Published on: August 17, 2022
5.9K
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training: Underutilization in the USA
Eliza Lamin1, Lisa M Parrillo2, Diane K Newman3
1Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3rd Floor West Pavilion, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. eliza.lamin@uphs.upenn.edu.
Current Urology Reports
|January 14, 2016
Summary
Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) effectively treats urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Despite proven benefits, PFMT is underutilized as a first-line therapy in the USA.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Gynecology
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Pelvic floor disorders are common in women, impacting quality of life.
- Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is a recognized treatment for urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
- Current clinical practice in the USA underutilizes PFMT despite evidence of its efficacy and cost-effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy of PFMT for treating UI and POP.
- To explore reasons for the underutilization of PFMT in the USA.
- To propose strategies for more effective implementation of PFMT.
Main Methods:
- Review of evidence-based research on PFMT for UI and POP.
- Analysis of current clinical practice patterns in the USA.
- Theoretical framework for improving PFMT utilization.
Main Results:
- PFMT is a comprehensive program, more advanced than simple Kegel exercises.
- PFMT is effective for stress, urgency, and mixed UI, often combined with behavioral strategies.
- Research confirms PFMT's cost-effectiveness for UI treatment.
Conclusions:
- PFMT is a valuable, evidence-based conservative treatment for UI and POP.
- Barriers to PFMT adoption in the USA need to be addressed for wider implementation.
- Increased utilization of PFMT can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum
5.8K
The muscles of the pelvic floor and perineum are crucial for supporting the pelvic organs, controlling continence, and aiding in sexual function, childbirth, and core stability. They are typically divided into the superficial perineal layer and the deep pelvic floor layer.
Perineal Layer
The perineum is a diamond-shaped area below the pelvic diaphragm, divided into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the external genitals and a posterior anal triangle housing the anus. The urogenital...
Perineal Layer
The perineum is a diamond-shaped area below the pelvic diaphragm, divided into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the external genitals and a posterior anal triangle housing the anus. The urogenital...
5.8K
01:23Urinary Bladder
4.2K
The urinary bladder is a hollow, muscular sac that temporarily stores urine before it is expelled from the body. It can hold approximately 600 mL of urine prior to micturition. The bladder is retroperitoneal and located behind the pubic symphysis in the pelvic floor.
In males, the bladder is situated in front of the rectum, while in females, it is positioned anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder floor contains an inverted triangular area called the trigone, defined by the two ureteric...
In males, the bladder is situated in front of the rectum, while in females, it is positioned anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder floor contains an inverted triangular area called the trigone, defined by the two ureteric...
4.2K
01:19Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra
2.6K
The lower urinary system consists of the urinary bladder and urethra, which are essential in storing and expelling urine from the body. Together with the internal and external sphincters, these structures work together to regulate urination effectively.Anatomy of the BladderThe urinary bladder is a muscular, stretchable organ behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. In females, the bladder is positioned anterior to the vagina and inferior to the uterus, while in males, it is located...
2.6K