Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume 46, Issue 4 , Pages 374-378, December 2007

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Aging Women

  • Gin-Den Chen

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorrespondence to: Dr Gin-Den Chen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, 110, Section 1, Chien-Kuo North Road, Taichung 40201, Taiwan

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan

Accepted 14 June 2007.

Article Outline

SUMMARY 

The occurrence of pelvic floor dysfunction may increase steadily during the aging process in women. Pelvic floor dysfunction may be associated with dysfunctions of micturition, defecation, prolapse, and sex. The natural history and mechanism of pelvic floor dysfunction in aged women are not well understood or explored. In this article, we review the effect of age on the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction and on the structural and functional changes of the lower urinary tract, anorectum and pelvic floor. Altogether, the aging process has a negative impact on either the function or structure of the lower urinary tract, anorectum and pelvic floor in women.

Key Words:  aging , anal function , elderly , lower urinary tract dysfunction , pelvic floor dysfunction , pelvic floor

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PII: S1028-4559(08)60006-6

doi:10.1016/S1028-4559(08)60006-6

Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume 46, Issue 4 , Pages 374-378, December 2007

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