Overview Vaginismus, classified under Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder in the DSM-5, is a complex condition characterized by involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles, leading to painful or impossible vaginal penetration. Despite its significant impact on physical and psychosocial well-being, it is often misdiagnosed or dismissed. As physiotherapists with expertise in pelvic health, we propose an […]
Dyspareunia and the Role of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: A Clinical Perspective for Physician Collaboration
Introduction: Dyspareunia affects a significant proportion of reproductive-age and perimenopausal women. Despite its prevalence and impact on quality of life, it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. As physiotherapists specializing in pelvic health, we are seeking to collaborate with physicians to improve access to evidence-based care. Clinical Definition and Subtypes Dyspareunia can be categorized into superficial and […]
Pelvic Organ Prolapse: The Role of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy in Conservative Management
Clinical Overview Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is the descent of one or more pelvic organs—bladder (cystocele), uterus (uterine prolapse), or rectum (rectocele)—into or through the vaginal canal due to loss of support from the pelvic floor muscles, ligaments, and fascia. This is typically a result of levator ani avulsion, connective tissue laxity, or neuropathic injury […]
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI)
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) affects up to 1 in 3 women globally and is a major contributor to decreased quality of life, social withdrawal, and even depression in otherwise healthy individuals (Bo et al., 2017). As physiotherapists, we are often the first non-surgical, non-pharmacologic point of contact for these patients. With increasing evidence supporting pelvic […]
Overactive Bladder (OAB): A Clinical Overview for Referring Clinicians
Overactive Bladder (OAB): A Clinical Overview for Referring Clinicians Overview: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a symptom-based syndrome characterized by urinary urgency, usually accompanied by frequency and nocturia, with or without urge incontinence, in the absence of UTI or other overt pathology (ICS, 2002). It affects approximately 30% of adults over 40 and becomes increasingly prevalent […]