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An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for the assessment of sexual health of women with pelvic floor dysfunction
Author(s) -
Rogers Rebecca G.,
Pauls Rachel N.,
Thakar Ranee,
Morin Melanie,
Kuhn Annette,
Petri Eckhard,
Fatton Brigitte,
Whitmore Kristene,
Kinsberg Sheryl,
Lee Joseph
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
neurourology and urodynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1520-6777
pISSN - 0733-2467
DOI - 10.1002/nau.23508
Subject(s) - terminology , medicine , pelvic floor , pelvic floor dysfunction , sexual dysfunction , female sexual dysfunction , reproductive health , sexual function , gynecology , physical therapy , psychiatry , surgery , population , philosophy , linguistics , environmental health
Aims The terminology in current use for sexual function and dysfunction in women with pelvic floor disorders lacks uniformity, which leads to uncertainty, confusion, and unintended ambiguity. The terminology for the sexual health of women with pelvic floor dysfunction needs to be collated in a 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. Internal and external review was developed to exhaustively examine each definition, with decision‐making by collective opinion (consensus). Importantly, this report is not meant to replace, but rather complement current terminology used in other fields for female sexual health and to clarify terms specific to women with pelvic floor dysfunction. Results A clinically based terminology report for sexual health in women with pelvic floor dysfunction encompassing over 100 separate definitions, has been developed. Key aims have been to make the terminology interpretable by practitioners, trainees, and researchers in female pelvic floor dysfunction. Interval review (5‐10 years) is anticipated to keep the document updated and as widely acceptable as possible. Conclusion A consensus‐based terminology report for female sexual health in women with pelvic floor dysfunction has been produced aimed at being a significant aid to clinical practice and a stimulus for research.