Clinical Management Practices for Pelvic Floor Disorders Among Gynecologists in Turkey

Background Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) are common conditions that substantially affect women’s quality of life and pose a growing public health burden. Although international guidelines published by the International Continence Society (ICS) and the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) emphasize early detection and conservative management, the extent to which these recommendations are implemented in routine gynecological practice remains unclear, particularly in middle-income countries. Methods This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using a voluntary, web-based questionnaire developed in accordance with ICS/IUGA recommendations. The 36-item survey assessed gynecologists’ routine practices related to symptom inquiry, physical examination, diagnostic approaches, and initial management strategies for PFDs. The questionnaire was refined through expert review but was not formally psychometrically validated. Descriptive analyses were performed. Results A total of 100 gynecologists completed the survey. Most participants reported routinely screening for PFD symptoms and performing basic clinical examinations. However, the use of specialized diagnostic tools, such as the Q-tip test and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system, was limited. While self-reported adherence to international guidelines was high during patient evaluation, adherence declined during treatment planning. Conservative interventions, including pelvic floor muscle training and bladder training, were commonly preferred, although referral to specialized pelvic floor rehabilitation services remained low. Conclusion This exploratory survey reveals a gap between guideline awareness and the practical implementation of PFD management among gynecologists. The findings suggest that system-level factors—such as time constraints, workload, and limited access to specialized services—may hinder the consistent application of guideline-based conservative management. Targeted educational strategies, standardized care pathways, and strengthened multidisciplinary collaboration may help bridge this gap and improve the quality of PFD care.