Giagio et al evaluate female athletes for pelvic floor dysfunction. They used a 2-step process with an initial screen and a follow-up questionnaire to triage patients. The authors are from University of Bologna, University of Genoa, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Azienda Ospedale Universita Padova in Italy and The Netherlands.
Patient selection: female athlete
Screening questions for pelvic floor dysfunction:
(1) usually have urine leakage
(2) usually have urine urgency
(3) usually have a bulge or something falling down in the vaginal area
(4) usually have stool or flatus beyond control
(5) usually have pain or discomfort in lower abdomen and/or genital region
If one or more of these symptoms are present, then the patient is referred to a pelvic floor dysfunction specialist.
If none of these symptoms are present, then the patient is asked the follow-up questionnaire.
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