Psychosocial Skills for Pelvic Floor Disorders

Age: 18+
Sex: Female
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a virtual group program can assist individuals with pelvic floor issues after childbirth. The program, called the Psychosocial Skills Group, teaches skills to manage symptoms such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse ("feeling like a tampon is falling out"), and pelvic pain. It incorporates education, pain science, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and mindfulness to enhance quality of life. Individuals who have experienced these symptoms after vaginal delivery in the past year and feel their daily life is affected may be suitable candidates. Participants should be under the care of a medical provider for their symptoms and comfortable joining virtual group sessions. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the understanding and improvement of postpartum care.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on psychosocial skills and education, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required, but you should confirm with the study team.

What prior data suggests that this psychosocial skills group is safe for individuals with pelvic floor disorders?

Research has shown that programs teaching psychosocial skills can be safe and beneficial for people with pelvic floor disorders. These programs focus on skills such as managing pain and stress through mindfulness and techniques to change negative thoughts and behaviors. Previous studies of similar educational and skills-based groups reported no serious side effects, suggesting that participants generally tolerate the treatment well. Given the non-invasive, educational group format of this trial, the risks are likely minimal, making it a safe option for interested participants.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike the standard treatments for pelvic floor disorders, which often focus on physical therapy or surgery, the psychosocial skills treatment takes a different approach by addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of the condition. This treatment is unique because it utilizes a virtual, six-session group format to equip individuals with psychosocial skills and education, specifically geared towards birth-related pelvic floor conditions. Researchers are excited about this approach because it offers a less invasive, holistic option that can be more accessible and potentially improve overall quality of life by tackling mental and emotional wellbeing alongside physical symptoms.

What evidence suggests that this psychosocial skills group is effective for pelvic floor disorders?

Research has shown that learning psychological skills can improve pelvic health. Studies have found that group education about the pelvic floor provides lasting benefits for women with pelvic floor disorders (PFD). Addressing stress related to pelvic floor issues has also proven helpful in medical settings. In this trial, participants will join an Education and Psychosocial Skills Group, focusing on psychosocial skills to assist those with pelvic floor injuries from childbirth by offering useful education and coping strategies. This approach aims to enhance quality of life and manage these conditions effectively.12678

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people who have pelvic floor symptoms (like incontinence, prolapse, or pain) after a vaginal delivery within the past year. Participants must feel these symptoms affect their wellbeing, be under medical care for them, speak English, and be comfortable joining a virtual group.

Inclusion Criteria

I have pelvic floor symptoms after giving birth vaginally in the past year.
My pelvic floor symptoms are affecting my wellbeing and quality of life.
I am seeing a healthcare provider for my physical symptoms.
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Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a 6-session virtual psychosocial education and skills group for birth-related pelvic floor conditions

6 weeks
6 virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for acceptability and feasibility of the intervention immediately after the treatment phase

1 week

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Psychosocial Skills Group

Trial Overview

The study is testing a six-session online group program that teaches education and psychosocial skills—such as coping strategies, mindfulness, and pain management—to help people manage birth-related pelvic floor problems.

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Education and Psychosocial Skills GroupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials
548
Recruited
2,545,000+

Citations

Psychosocial Skills Group for Pelvic Floor Symptoms

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Psychosocial Skills for Pelvic Floor Disorders

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Multidisciplinary team approach to pelvic floor disorders

The prevalence of PFDs ranges from 10 % to 50 % and is largely influenced by age and parity, with urinary incontinence being the most common disorder [3].

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Self-efficacy and social support enable women to protect their ...

Pelvic Floor Muscle (PFM) disorders affect one in three women worldwide and include urinary incontinence, bowel dysfunction, and pelvic organ prolapse (pelvic ...