The pelvic floor plays a crucial role in supporting pelvic organs and the proper functioning of sphincters. Functional disorders related to the pelvic floor are fairly common, especially with increasing age. These disorders encompass a range of conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary difficulties, urinary and fecal incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and chronic pain syndromes.
Various factors contribute to the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction, including age, pregnancy, childbirth (especially multiple births), genetic predisposition, obesity, conditions causing increased intra-abdominal pressure, and more. During pregnancy and childbirth, the pelvic floor can sustain damage due to a combination of tissue injury and weakening of the connective tissue supporting the pelvic organs, tears in the pelvic floor muscles and sphincters (particularly the anal sphincter), and damage to the pudendal nerve. As women age, the existing damage can worsen due to natural aging processes in the tissues and a decline in estrogen levels, leading to increased frequency of symptoms associated with pelvic floor and sphincter dysfunction.
While age may be a contributing factor, many of these problems can also occur at younger ages. However, they may manifest differently in older women due to age-related wear and tear on the body. A comprehensive assessment of all components of the pelvic floor is essential for improving the success of treatment. It is crucial to identify and address factors that exacerbate pelvic floor dysfunction. Effective treatment can be achieved at any age, highlighting the importance of thorough evaluation and discussion of functional disorders during interviews with elderly patients.