NEUROPHYSIOLOGY OF THE FEMALE PELVIC FLOOR

The neurogenic theory of female pelvic floor dysfunction suggests a co mmon thread for malfunction of pelvic visceral and support activities. Support for the neurogenic hypothesis has been promoted by recent lit erature showing that more central neuropathic processes, such as in th e cauda equina or pelvic plexus, can be associated with the previously described peripheral neuropathies and are linked to pelvic floor diso rders. Damage by vaginal dissection has been suggested as another etio logic factor. This concept has further been supported by studying the effects of pudendal nerve blockade. Methods for investigating pelvic f loor neurophysiology are becoming more refined and widespread, and the rapeutic horizons are described including nerve stimulation and surgic al therapy of nerve compression.