ABSTRACT
Pelvic floor pathology in women encompasses a wide spectrum of functional, anatomical, neurological, hormonal, and neoplastic conditions that may be associated with symptoms of bowel, urinary, and/or sexual dysfunction [1]. The realization that the pelvic floor does not exist in isolation is an important concept that must be explored [2]. Functionally, the pelvis is multicompartmental, and so it is important to ask the right questions to assess patients. A review performed by davis and kumar in 2003 found that patients only reported their most severe symptoms and often did not report symptoms of incontinence or sexual dysfunction as they felt it was not worthy of attention. Patients often volunteered limited information due to shame, cultural beliefs, stereotyping, and self-blame [3]. Many symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction are of a personal and sensitive nature and use of a self-completed questionnaire may be a valuable method of assessment to obtain accurate information on symptoms that are important to the patient [4]. Patients can complete the questionnaires in private and take as long as required.
