Almost every woman who has experienced vaginal childbirth has sustained
some damage to her "pelvic floor." This little-known term describes the
network of muscles, fascia, and nerves at the base of the pelvis that
provides support for the pelvic and intra-abdominal organs (vagina,
uterus, urinary bladder, rectum, etc.). Although in most women the
damage suffered from natural childbirth is mild, and may result in some
temporary incontinence, unfortunately an increasingly large proportion
of child-bearing women are experiencing more serious injuries and a host
of unpleasant consequences: continuous urinary and anal incontinence,
sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain and sagging, and protruding
pelvic organs, among other symptoms. Since such conditions are
embarrassing, women are often reluctant to discuss their discomfort even
with physicians and continue to suffer needlessly by not seeking
treatment.
This book - the first of its kind - is designed to help both women who
already suffer from this "silent epidemic" and women who wish to assess
the risks of vaginal delivery. Dr. Magnus Murphy, an obstetrician and
gynecologist who specializes in pelvic floor disorder, and coauthor
Carol L. Wasson give women the vital information they need to understand
symptoms, find treatment, and weigh their childbirth options. Among the
topics discussed are advances in labor and delivery, the politics of
childbirth, the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor, the wide range
of symptoms resulting from damage to the pelvic floor, types of
treatments available, and the option of elective cesarean birth.
Complete with glossary, numerous illustrations, and references for
further information, this highly useful handbook makes an important
contribution to women's health and draws attention to a serious though
often neglected problem.
