Location
Fieldhouse
Start Date
24-4-2025 3:30 PM
End Date
24-4-2025 4:30 PM
Description
Pelvic floor disorders are common among women, and it is projected that the number of American women with at least one pelvic floor disorder will be 43.8 million by 2050 (Weimer et al., 2024). Pelvic floor dysfunction impacts women beginning in early adulthood, and more women are impacted as age increases, with up to 50% of women over the age of 80 affected with pelvic floor dysfunction (Weimer, 2024). While all individuals are at risk of pelvic floor dysfunction, pregnant women are at a higher risk (Romeikiene & Daiva Bartkeviciene, 2021). The pelvic floor is a unique body system within females. This system controls bladder and bowel control, plays a role in postpartum recovery, and deals with urinary incontinence. When this system is damaged, it can create issues with physical activity, social participation, and engagement in sexual activity. For women in general, over time, this system can become weakened from childbirth, obesity, and constipation issues. Female pelvic floor dysfunction is treated by occupational therapists, physical therapists, medical doctors, or specialists such as urologists. Communication between healthcare providers and patients with pelvic floor dysfunction is a crucial aspect of client-centered care. Patients may not discuss symptoms or seek treatment with a care provider because they may not be knowledgeable about pelvic floor dysfunction and treatment or because they might wait to seek treatment until symptoms become severe (Burkhart, 2020). Patients are often hesitant to talk with care providers about the side effects of pelvic floor dysfunctions out of embarrassment (Grimes, 2023).
Recommended Citation
Kowalczyk, Jessica; Kobylak, Sylvia; Arcuri, Lynn; Wade, Maddy; Ramirez, Melissa; Fedderly, Sydney; and Kumar, Amrendra, "Exploring the Impact of Pelvic Floor Health on Quality of Life in Women One to Ten Years Postpartum" (2025). Celebration of Scholarship. 1.
https://digitalcommons.lewisu.edu/cos/2025/poster_c/1
Presentation Type
Event
Exploring the Impact of Pelvic Floor Health on Quality of Life in Women One to Ten Years Postpartum
Fieldhouse
Pelvic floor disorders are common among women, and it is projected that the number of American women with at least one pelvic floor disorder will be 43.8 million by 2050 (Weimer et al., 2024). Pelvic floor dysfunction impacts women beginning in early adulthood, and more women are impacted as age increases, with up to 50% of women over the age of 80 affected with pelvic floor dysfunction (Weimer, 2024). While all individuals are at risk of pelvic floor dysfunction, pregnant women are at a higher risk (Romeikiene & Daiva Bartkeviciene, 2021). The pelvic floor is a unique body system within females. This system controls bladder and bowel control, plays a role in postpartum recovery, and deals with urinary incontinence. When this system is damaged, it can create issues with physical activity, social participation, and engagement in sexual activity. For women in general, over time, this system can become weakened from childbirth, obesity, and constipation issues. Female pelvic floor dysfunction is treated by occupational therapists, physical therapists, medical doctors, or specialists such as urologists. Communication between healthcare providers and patients with pelvic floor dysfunction is a crucial aspect of client-centered care. Patients may not discuss symptoms or seek treatment with a care provider because they may not be knowledgeable about pelvic floor dysfunction and treatment or because they might wait to seek treatment until symptoms become severe (Burkhart, 2020). Patients are often hesitant to talk with care providers about the side effects of pelvic floor dysfunctions out of embarrassment (Grimes, 2023).
