Pelvic floor dysfunction and obesity

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Gynecology
• Obesity Medicine

Background:

• Obesity is a prevalent global health issue with well-documented systemic effects.
• Increasingly, patients with obesity present with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD).
• Evidence is growing regarding obesity's specific impact on the female urogenital system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the influence of obesity on the prevalence, presentation, assessment, management, and outcomes of LUTS and PFD in women.
• To emphasize the necessity of a holistic approach in managing these patients.
• To highlight the importance of understanding pelvic floor function in the context of obesity.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on obesity, LUTS, and PFD in women.
• Analysis of the interplay between body mass index and pelvic floor health.
• Discussion of clinical assessment and management strategies.

Main Results:

• Obesity affects the presentation, assessment, and treatment outcomes of LUTS and PFD.
• Pelvic floor dysfunction is significantly influenced by excess weight.
• A frank discussion about weight is essential for effective patient care.

Conclusions:

• A holistic and multimodal approach is vital for managing women with obesity experiencing LUTS and PFD.
• Weight loss strategies can improve PFD symptoms and disease progression.
• Standard treatments for PFD should be accessible to patients with obesity, with managed expectations regarding weight-related impediments.