Abstract
The second part of this review deals with the quality of life of patients with congenital
pelvic malformations, focusing on the sexuality, reproductive outcomes and overall
psychological impact of the women affected.
The presence of deformed pelvic anatomy, congenital or iatrogenic, and therefore of
altered urinary, anal or sexual functions, are not only a physical limitation but
seriously compromise psychological health from childhood. These difficulties jeopardise
the thorny path from childhood to adult life through adolescence, and if neglected,
could be responsible for seriously impairing quality of life in adulthood, in terms
of mental health and psychosocial functions.
If, in the 1970s, the main objective was to save the lives of newborns/infants, nowadays
the therapy concept looks beyond that, focusing on quality of life and aiming to establish
a satisfactory sexual life, allow the possibility of becoming a parent and enable
the successful psychosocial integration of the patient.
Ensuring urinary and fecal continence as well as the possibility of normal sexual
activity, are the basis for allowing a normal psychological growth during adolescence,
which leads to a satisfactory life later on.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 27, 2011
Accepted:
June 9,
2011
Received in revised form:
April 30,
2011
Received:
January 26,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
