Welcome to your monthly dose of health and wellness information. Each month, we'll dive into practical tips, evidence-based advice and the latest developments in different fields of medicine.

Mass General Brigham physicians have had the privilege of caring for thousands of Bermudian patients in Boston over the years, spanning a wide variety of conditions and complexities.

This month, we’re looking at pelvic floor disorders with Edward Kim, MD, MPH, assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and subspecialist in Urogynaecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery.

Pelvic floor disorders are far more common than many people realise. Approximately one in four women will experience a pelvic floor disorder during their lifetime, and that number rises to about one in three women once over the age of 60. Yet these conditions remain among the least discussed areas of women’s health.

What are the most common pelvic floor issues you see among patients?

While I treat a wide variety of conditions, the most common pelvic floor conditions I see are urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

How has our understanding of pelvic floor health evolved in the past decade?

In the past, pelvic floor disorders were often viewed as an inevitable part of ageing or childbirth – often something that women ‘just had to live with’. Today, we view them as treatable medical conditions that have a significant impact on quality of life. What’s more, many effective treatments exist – not all of them are surgical.

What are the most exciting new treatments or technologies in pelvic floor disorders right now?

One exciting development is the expansion of new medical therapies for urinary symptoms. A newer class of medications called beta-3 agonists, along with bladder Botox injections and nerve stimulation device implants, has become more widely available for treating overactive bladder and urgency incontinence. Pelvic floor physiotherapy has also advanced, using techniques such as biofeedback and muscle retraining to improve muscle control. Surgical treatments have also become increasingly minimally invasive and safer.

What upcoming developments do you think will most improve quality of life for patients with pelvic floor disorders?

Digital health tools are making treatments more accessible for many patients. Researchers are also exploring areas such as regenerative and personalised medicine, although these approaches will take time before they become widely available.

Perhaps the most meaningful change, however, is increasing awareness and the normalisation of conversations about pelvic floor health.

· If you would like to request an appointment or learn more about care at Mass General Brigham, contact our international patient services team at patientcare@mgb.org or visit MassGeneralBrigham.org/Bermuda. If part of your care planning includes insurance, we recommend speaking with your insurance company before requesting an appointment