Pelvic Floor Injuries during Childbirth

In Brief Approximately one out of four women in the United States experience one or more pelvic disorders such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. These conditions are mostly related to injuries that occur during childbirth, with increased risk due to vaginal birth and operative vaginal birth. Pelvic floor physical therapy may be helpful as a treatment strategy. Given the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders among US women, the amount of research on prevention and treatment options and associated funding are quite low.