Introduction Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is an involuntary loss of urine on effort, physical exertion, or with an increase in the intraabdominal pressure upon sneezing or coughing ( ). Pelvic…

Historical perspective The first endoscopic technique for evaluating the female urethra and bladder was described by Bozzini in 1805 and used candlelight reflected through a funnel in the urethra. Nineteenth-century…

Introduction The female pelvis is comprised of a complex, interconnected network of connective tissues and muscles that collectively work together to provide support to the pelvic organs. The vagina also…

Introduction Sexual health is an important component of a woman’s well-being. Evidence suggests that healthy sexual functioning is a fundamental component of a woman’s sense of self and quality of…

Introduction The purposes of any classification system are to facilitate understanding of disease etiology and pathophysiology, to help establish and standardize treatment and research guidelines, and to avoid confusion among…

Introduction The term pelvic floor disorders includes urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sensory and emptying abnormalities of the lower urinary and gastrointestinal tracts. Pelvic floor disorders are…

Embryology Formation of the mesoderm The period of organogenesis, also called the embryonic period, spans the third to the eighth week of development. At approximately 15 days after fertilization, invagination…

Epidemiology Female pelvic floor disorders include urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and anal incontinence, as well as emptying disorders of the lower urinary and gastrointestinal tracts. These conditions can have…

Pelvic floor Anatomy and composition The pelvic floor is a highly complex, heterogeneous structure that supports the pelvic organs. In certain cases, such as childbirth, substantial stretch and accommodation of…

Introduction This chapter addresses the pathophysiology of stress urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence (FI). As Fig. 5.1 depicts, overlap of pelvic floor disorders in women suggests that…