Clinical: Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Flashcards
what does the pelvic floor acts to support?
the pelvic viscera, and assist in their functions
what happens if the muscles of the pelvic floor become damaged?
dysfunction of the pelvic viscera can occur
what are the levator ani muscles involved in?
supporting the foetal head during cervix dilation in childbirth
what happens to the levator ani muscles during the second phase of childbirth?
the levator ani muscles and/or the pudendal nerve are at high risk of damage
which muscles are most prone to injury during childbirth? why?
Pubococcygeus and puborectalis are the most prone to injury due to them being situated most medially
what is the function of the pelvic floor muscles?
role in supporting the vagina, urethra and anal canal
what can damage to pelvic floor muscles lead to?
a number of problems
what are the primary problems from damage to the pelvic floor muscles?
urinary stress incontinence and rectal incontinence
when is urinary incontinence most noticeable?
during activities where there are increased abdominal pressure – coughing, sneezing and lifting heavy objects
when can prolapse of the pelvic viscera (e.g. bladder and vagina) occur?
if there is trauma to the pelvic floor or if the muscle fibres have poor tone
when can prolapse of the vagina occur?
if there is damage to the perineal body in childbirth
how can prolapse of the vagina (from damage to the perineal body in childbirth) be avoided?
by episiotomy
what is episiotomy?
surgical cut in the perineum
what can episiotomy cause?
can cause damage to the vaginal mucosa and submucosa but helps prevent uncontrolled tearing of the perineal muscles
when can rectal herniation occur?
If the medial fibres of the puborectalis are torn within the perineal body
what are the risk factors which can increase the chances of prolapse?
Age
Number of vaginal deliveries
Family history of pelvic floor dysfunction
Weight
Chronic coughing (e.g from a lung disorder)
how can the pelvic floor be repaired?
surgically
what is a way to generally strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor?
carry out pelvic floor exercises on a regular basis
what are pelvic floor exercises called?
Kegel exercises
