Adelaidean 4 December 2000 Vol 9 No 22
Adelaidean NEWS FROM ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY DECEMBER 4, 2000 Embarrassing health problems a silent epidemic PELVIC floor disorders may be much section has been supposed to lessen the floor problems after pregnancy are very likely,” 30% of women. more common than previously chances of resulting pelvic floor disorders, but he said. “The survey highlights the high prevalence and thought. the researchers discovered that birth by The cross-sectional population survey involved major social impact of pelvic floor prolapse and caesarean section reduces those risks only Adelaide University researchers, in the first more than 3000 South Australians. incontinence in our society,” said Professor comprehensive study of its kind in the world, slightly. Most of these complaints were still MacLennan. common among women who had never had a Urinary incontinence was found in 4% of men, have found a remarkably high prevalence of “It is a silent epidemic, as those with the vaginal birth. but in 35% of women aged from 15 to 95, pelvic floor disorders in the general population. increasing to 50% among older women. problem are often embarrassed to talk about it.” These disorders can be a serious cause of “It seems that caesarean section, contrary to More than 14% of women were found to suffer The results of the study are being published this discomfort and even disease, especially among popular belief, cannot avoid permanent from rectal incontinence of flatus or faeces, month in the British Journal of Obstetrics and women. The disorders may prompt incontin- connective tissue changes that seem to happen Gynaecology. while fewer than 10% of men suffered from the ence, vaginal or uterine prolapse, and during pregnancy,” said Associate Professor Alastair MacLennan of the University’s same conditions.
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