Knowledge of the pelvic floor in menopausal women and in peripartum women.

The women were mostly Caucasian, European, and mid-to-highly educated, and they were recruited from events rather than randomly, so the results may not apply to all women. This was a cross-sectional survey, so it can show what women reported at one time but cannot show that lack of knowledge causes delayed help-seeking or pelvic floor problems. The questionnaire was newly developed and not designed to score knowledge as right or wrong, so the numbers describe self-reported knowledge and beliefs rather than a validated knowledge test. All participants returned the questionnaire, but the sample was purposive and may include women already interested in the topic. No treatment was tested, so the study cannot say how effective education or pelvic floor therapy is.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest. No funding source is reported.

Do not read this as evidence that pelvic floor education prevents dysfunction or improves help-seeking. The study measured what women said they knew and when they received information; it did not give an education programme and did not track symptoms or referrals.