Prevention and non-surgical management of pelvic floor dysfunction: summary of NICE guidance

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a complex condition that is associated with urinary incontinence, emptying disorders of the bladder, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, faecal incontinence, and emptying disorders of the bowel.12 Approximately five million women in the UK have experienced pelvic floor dysfunction.3 Age has an important effect, as 6% of women in their 20s experience symptoms, with this increasing to 40% of women in their 60s.4 These symptoms can have a notable impact on quality of life. In July 2020, the Independent Medicine and Medical Devices Safety Review highlighted the major complications women faced after surgical management with pelvic mesh.5 Preventive and non-surgical strategies can reduce the number of women developing severe symptoms and needing invasive treatment.

This article summarises the most recent recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline on pelvic floor dysfunction: prevention and non-surgical management. The guideline applies to women aged 12 and older.6 It uses the term “women” throughout, but this should be taken to include those who do not identify as women but who have female pelvic organs.