Margie Polden Memorial Lecture: The changing face of obstetrics and pelvic floor dysfunction

Maternal birth trauma can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life in both the short and long term. The effects of pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, pain and sexual dysfunction can last a lifetime, and many women will require treatment including physiotherapy and surgery. To raise awareness of pelvic floor dysfunction, it is important to understand the epidemiology and pathophysiology of the condition, and be mindful of global pelvic floor dysfunction rather than obstetric anal sphincter injury alone. In order to prevent maternal birth trauma, awareness and identification of risk factors are important. Current initiatives have the potential to reduce the number of young women suffering from distressing and embarrassing symptoms.