Abstract
The pelvic floor functions as a holistic entity. The organs, bladder, bowel, smooth
and striated muscles, nerves, ligaments and other connective tissues are directed
cortically and reflexly from various levels of the nervous system. Such holistic integration
is essential for the system’s multiple functions, for example, pelvic girdle stability,
continence, voiding/defecation, and sexuality. Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is related
to a variety of pelvic pain syndromes and organ problems of continence and evacuation.
Prior to treatment, it is necessary to understand which part(s) of the system may
be causing the dysfunction (s) of Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS), pelvic girdle
pain, sexual problems, Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS), dysfunctional voiding,
constipation, prolapse and incontinence. The interpretation of pelvic floor biomechanics
is complex and involves multiple theories. Non-surgical treatment of PFD requires
correct diagnosis and correctly supervised pelvic floor training.
The aims of this review are to analyze pelvic function and dysfunction. Because it
is a holistic and entirely anatomically based system, we have accorded significant
weight to the Integral Theory’s explanations of function and dysfunction.
Keywords
Abbreviations:
A fibers (alpha nerve fibers are myelinated and carry information related to proprioception), ATFP (arcus tendineus fascia pelvis), BPS/IC (bladder pain syndrome), CGRP (calcitonin-gene related peptide), CL (cardinal ligament), C (nerve fibers are unmyelinated. They carry information related to pain, temperature and itch), CPPS (chronic pelvic pain syndrome), EAS (external anal sphincter), EUL (external urethral ligament), IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), IT (integral theory (IT)), LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms), n (nerve), N (bladder stretch receptors), OAB (overactive bladder), PB (perineal body), PCF (pubocervical fascia), PF (pelvic floor), PFD (pelvic floor dysfunction), PFM (pelvic floor muscle(s)), PFS (posterior fornix syndrome), PUL (pubourethral ligament), RVF (rectovaginal fascia), USL (uterosacral ligaments), WDR (wide dynamic range)To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 28, 2021
Accepted:
August 24,
2021
Received in revised form:
July 15,
2021
Received:
April 22,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
