title: The Epidemiology of Pelvic Floor Disorders and Childbirth: An Update.
abstract: Using a lifespan model, this article presents new scientific findings regarding risk factors for pelvic floor disorders (PFDs), focusing on the role of childbirth in the development of single or multiple coexisting PFDs. Phase I of the model includes predisposing factors, such as genetic predisposition and race. Phase II includes inciting factors, such as obstetric events. Prolapse, urinary incontinence (UI), and fecal incontinence (FI) are more common among vaginally parous women, although the impact of vaginal delivery on risk of FI is less dramatic than prolapse and UI. Phase III includes intervening factors, such as age and obesity.
authors.affiliation: Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Avenue, 301 Building, Suite 3200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Hallock
authors.affiliation: Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 4940 Eastern Avenue, 301 Building, Suite 3200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. Electronic address: vhanda1@jhmi.edu.
authors.forename: Victoria L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Handa
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000293:injuries; D059952:Pelvic Floor Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D056887:Pelvic Organ Prolapse / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D053201:Urinary Bladder, Overactive / Q000209:etiology; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology
keywords: Cesarean section; Childbirth; Fecal incontinence; Pelvic floor disorders; Pelvic organ prolapse; Urinary incontinence; Vaginal delivery