It’s Not All About Birth: Biomechanics Applied to Pelvic Organ Prolapse Prevention

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common and costly women’s health problem. Prevention of prolapse continues to play a role in the debate about the risks and benefits of elective cesarean section, making this an important topic for midwives to understand. While some women appear to be at higher risk for pr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of midwifery & women's health 2008-01, Vol.53 (1), p.28-36
Main Authors: O’Dell, Katharine K., Morse, Abraham N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomechanical Phenomena
Biomechanics
Clinical outcomes
cystocele
Disease prevention
Female
Humans
Nursing
Pelvic Floor - physiopathology
Pregnancy
Prolapse
Quality of life
rectocele
Reproductive system
Risk factors
Symptoms
uterine prolapse
Uterine Prolapse - physiopathology
Women
women's health
Womens health
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Summary:Pelvic organ prolapse is a common and costly women’s health problem. Prevention of prolapse continues to play a role in the debate about the risks and benefits of elective cesarean section, making this an important topic for midwives to understand. While some women appear to be at higher risk for prolapse because of intrinsic anatomic and physiologic factors, others have modifiable risk factors that can be addressed by health care providers. This article discusses the current knowledge related to the etiology of prolapse and related components of pelvic anatomy. Biomechanical principles are then applied to enhance the understanding of prolapse development and prevention. Clinical recommendations are based on current evidence regarding topics such as physical activity during pregnancy, treatment of vaginal atrophy, and optimal pelvic floor muscle exercises.
ISSN:1526-9523
1542-2011
DOI:10.1016/j.jmwh.2007.08.015