Preoperative Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in Female Urinary Incontinence

Pelvic floor muscles (PFM) play a crucial role in supporting pelvic organs and maintaining continence. Weakness in these muscles can lead to dysfunctions such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence (UI), and sexual or anorectal disorders. UI, defined as the involuntary loss of urine, is common globally and classified as stress, urge, or mixed incontinence. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) - the most prevalent type among women - occurs during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure. Risk factors include female sex, aging, obesity, smoking, chronic constipation, previous gynecological surgeries, and childbirth. Treatment options for SUI include conservative and surgical methods. Pelvic floor training (PFT), first described by Arnold Kegel in 1948, is a conservative approach that strengthens PFM and alleviates symptoms. Although surgery is often used for SUI, with over 200 procedures described, this study aims to evaluate the preoperative effectiveness of intensive PFT in women with SUI. It will assess changes in muscle function and symptoms before surgery, guiding pelvic rehabilitation strategies to potentially reduce surgical burden and improve outcomes.