E-Posters-10038

10038_Krychman

Pdf Summary

The document discusses the need for a new classification system for genitopelvic laxity (GPL) to improve understanding among healthcare professionals. Vaginal laxity is often overlooked as a contributing factor to female sexual dysfunction and lowered self-esteem. The lack of objective measures to define vaginal laxity is a challenge, and current biological measures are not always predictive of sexual function outcomes or pelvic floor health. The proposed classification system includes vulvar, vaginal introital, and vaginal canal laxity. Each subtype can exist in isolation or in combination with each other. Treating the introitus, the primary region for sexual pleasure, may be the best approach based on the biology and characteristics of the symptom. Factors impacting vaginal laxity include menopause, forceps or vacuum delivery, large foreign objects in the vagina, prolonged expulsion stage, rapid second stage of labor, tobacco use, multiple vaginal births, diabetes, respiratory conditions, genetic disorders, pregnancy, trauma to the vagina, early age at first intercourse, athletic activities, and multiple partners. The document concludes that a collective nomenclature, common classification system, and validated instruments are necessary for further study in this field. Treating the introitus may have the greatest impact on overall medical outcomes such as sexual function and incontinence.

Keywords

classification system

genitopelvic laxity

vaginal laxity

female sexual dysfunction

self-esteem

objective measures

sexual function outcomes

pelvic floor health

treating the introitus

medical outcomes