An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for female pelvic floor dysfunction
Abstract
Introduction and hypothesis Next to existing terminology of the lower urinary tract, due to its increasing complexity, the terminology for pelvic floor dysfunction in women may be better updated by a female-specific approach and clinically based consensus report.Methods This report combines the input of members 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. Appropriate core clinical categories and a subclassification were developed to give an alphanumeric coding to each definition. An extensive process of 15 rounds of internal and external review was developed to exhaustively examine each definition, with decision-making by collective opinion (consensus).Results A terminology report for female pelvic floor dysfunction, encompassing over 250 separate definitions, has been developed. It is clinically based with the six most common diagnoses defined. Clarity and user-friendliness have been key aims to make it interpretable by practitioners and trainees in all the different specialty groups involved in female pelvic floor dysfunction. Female-specific imaging (ultrasound, radiology, and MRI) has been a major addition while appropriate figures have been included to supplement and help clarify the text. Ongoing review is not only anticipated but will be required to keep the document updated and as widely acceptable as possible.Conclusions A consensus-based terminology report for female pelvic floor dysfunction has been produced aimed at being a significant aid to clinical practice and a stimulus for research.
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The methods, definitions, and units of this paper conform to the standards jointly recommended by the International Urogynecological Association and the International Continence Society (ICS), except where specifically noted.
“Methods, definitions, and units conform to the standards jointly recommended by the International Urogynecological Association and the ICS except where specifically noted [34–36].”
From International urogynecology consultation chapter 3 committee 2; conservative treatment of patient with pelvic organ prolapse: Pelvic floor muscle training (2022) · cites this paper as [36]
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- Authors
- Haylen, B. T., de Ridder, D., Freeman, R. M., Swift, S. E., Berghmans, B., Lee, J., Monga, A., Petri, E., Rizk, D. E., Sand, P. K., & Schaer, G. N.
- Affiliations
- St Vincent's Clinic (AU)
- Derriford Hospital (GB)
- Medical University of South Carolina (US)
- Maastricht University Medical Centre (NL)
- Mercy Hospital for Women (AU)
- Princess Anne Hospital (GB)
- Helios Hospital Schwerin (DE)
- Ain Shams University (EG)
- Evanston Hospital (US)
- Kantonsspital Aarau (CH)
- Corresponding author
- Haylen, Bernard T.
- ORCID
- Venue
- International Urogynecology Journal
- Published
- 2009-11-25
- Volume
- 21
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 5-26
- ISSN
- 0937-3462 (ISSN-L)
- 1433-3023
- OpenAlex
- W2098718880
- Cited by
- 2,237
- References
- 54
- Citations by year
- 2026: 151 · 2025: 182 · 2024: 159 · 2023: 175 · 2022: 189 · 2021: 151 · 2020: 152 · 2019: 138 · 2018: 113 · 2017: 146 · 2016: 137 · 2015: 131 · 2014: 108 · 2013: 107 · 2012: 117
- FWCI
- 45.28
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
- Locations
- International Urogynecology Journal (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Research Publications (Maastricht University) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Rheumatology › Pelvic floor disorders treatments
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Urology › Urinary Bladder and Prostate Research
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Sexual function and dysfunction studies
- Keywords
- female pelvic floor dysfunction, medical terminology, diagnostic definitions, consensus report, pelvic floor ultrasound, pelvic floor MRI, lower urinary tract dysfunction, urogynecology, continence
- MeSH terms
- Female, Gynecology, Humans, International Cooperation, Terminology as Topic, Societies, Medical, Urinary Incontinence, Urology, Uterine Prolapse, Pelvic Floor
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