Search

Introduction and hypothesis: There has been an increasing need for the terminology on the conservative management of female pelvic floor dysfunction to be collated in a clinically based consensus report. Methods: This Report combines the input of members and elected nominees of the Standardization and Terminology Committees of two International Organizations, the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) and the International Continence Society (ICS), assisted at intervals by many external referees. An extensive process of nine rounds of internal and external review was developed to exhaustively examine each definition, with decision-making by collective opinion (consensus). Before opening up for comments on the webpages of ICS and IUGA, five experts from physiotherapy, neurology, urology, urogynecology, and nursing were invited to comment on the paper. Results: A Terminology Report on the conservative management of female pelvic floor dysfunction, encompassing over 200 separate definitions, has been developed. It is clinically based, with the most common symptoms, signs, assessments, diagnoses, and treatments defined. Clarity and ease of use have been key aims to make it interpretable by practitioners and trainees in all the different specialty groups involved in female pelvic floor dysfunction. Ongoing review is not only anticipated, but will be required to keep the document updated and as widely acceptable as possible. Conclusion: A consensus-based terminology report for the conservative management of female pelvic floor dysfunction has been produced, aimed at being a significant aid to clinical practice and a stimulus for research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is a chronic condition for which conventional treatment is highly individualistic, may have a limited effect if any, and is often a question of trial and error. The impact on the patient's life is far-reaching and often greatly underestimated. The limitations of effectiveness, availability, reimbursement and affordability of conventional treatments mean that desperate patients actively seek alternative solutions, with or without professional guidance. Emotional support, empathy and understanding as well as practical support are needed from all players in the equation: the family doctor, the specialist, the physiotherapist, the patient's family and partner and the patient support group, with the patient also being encouraged to play as active a role as possible in self-care in coordination with the health professionals. However, the patient is more often confronted with hopelessness and negativity. This can greatly affect the outcome of any therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]