title: [Assessment of pelvic floor dysfunction. Terminology standardization].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To record the findings from pelvic floor examination in an understandable way that permits the indication of a proper treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  We review classic classifications, as well as genital prolapse stages and degrees. We also record the POPQ examination system which is the established standard nowadays.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Based on different classifications we intend to set up a systematic examination starting at the anterior segment, following with central and posterior compartments without forgetting pelvic floor descent, anal sphincter and pelvic floor muscles evaluation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The evaluation of pelvic floor defects is complex, complicating the pathologic diagnosis in order to determine the proper treatment. The various attempts to standardise classifications find problems. Nevertheless, a detailed history, a systematic examination and multidisciplinary cooperation will be able to correct this dysfunction.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Ginecología y Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, España. macarsal@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carmona Salgado
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Espejo Maldonado
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tallada Buñuel
authors.forename: José Manuel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Cózar Olmo
authors.forename: Francisco José
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Vicente Prados
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017773:Pelvic Floor; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis*