Do we have the evidence to produce tools to enable the identification and personalization of management of women's pelvic floor health disorders through the perinatal and perimenopausal periods? ICI‐RS 2024

Introduction

There is an increasing recognition of the impact of ageing on pelvic floor health and the consequences in populations with rising proportions of women over the age of 65 years. A think tank was held at the ICI-RS 2024 to discuss the evidence to support the personalisation of women's pelvic floor health during the perinatal and perimenopausal period.

Methods

Data was collected and presented on the evidence to support the development of tools to personalise pelvic floor health care. Epidemiological, imaging, patient-reported outcomes, and evidence of tool development questionnaires were discussed. The current evidence and research gaps for potential intervention to prevent the pelvic floor disorders of pelvic organ prolapse, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence and faecal incontinence during the perinatal and perimenopasual time periods were discussed and identified.

Results

Epidemiological studies highlight that vaginal delivery and in particular operative vaginal delivery is the single biggest modifiable risk factor for the future development of pelvic floor dysfunction. The oestrogen depletion resulting from the perimenopause and menopause can lead to the development of Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) which is associated with the risk of developing pelvic floor dysfunction. Ultrasound is a useful technique for assessing the pelvic floor and has been used to assess bladder neck mobility, distensibility of the puborectalis muscle and the striated urethral sphincter volume antenatally with some studies reporting a correlation between these measurements and the need for Caesarean section and development of postpartum stress urinary incontinence. Further studies are needed to standardise these measurements. There are no patient reported outcome questionnaires validated for use in the perinatal and postmenopausal period. The UR- choice tool has been developed to counsel women on the risk of postpartum pelvic floor disorders occurring. However, further evaluation in larger numbers is required.

Conclusion

There is significant interest in developing tools to counsel women on the risks of developing pelvic floor dysfunction post partum and after the menopause. Further evaluation of the UR-choice tool was considered a research priority. The timepoint of cervical screening for research into interventions such as pelvic floor health education, lifestyle optimisation and perimenopausal vaginal oestrogen supplementation was identified.