Pelvic floor dysfunction : its assessment by MRI and strength duration test and its response to biofeedback

Abstract

The component features of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) are interrelated but the development of a unified strategy to investigate and treat these problems has been slow; this has invariably affected the outcome of available treatment options. This lack of an integrated approach to the concept of PFD, stems from our inadequate understanding of its pathophysiology, and the traditional compartmentalisation of the pelvic floor. To improve our understanding of pelvic floor function, various investigative modalities have been employed but none of them has been able to offer sufficient explanation in this regard. There also exist difficulties with the establishment of objective parameters, which can be used in evaluating patients’ response to therapy for PFD. The present situation where a response to treatment is based principally on the patients’ perceived improvement, needs to be reviewed.