The study aimed to explore women´s experiences of living with a levator ani avulsion and highlight their experiences of contact with healthcare.
A qualitative interview study where the data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis according to according to Graneheim and Lundman. Fifteen women between the ages of 33-55 with diagnosed levator ani avulsion participated. Digital interviews were conducted according to a semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions.
Three themes emerged during the analysis:” Struggling to find the way through healthcare”, “Holding back everyday life” and “Seeing the future as uncertain, but hopeful”.
These themes reflect the women´s frustration and struggle to get help in healthcare, their view of a limited everyday life that must be adapted to what the body can handle, an uncertainty about the future, but also glimpses of hope for good health and better care.
Levator ani avulsion has an impact on women´s quality of life. It is a hidden birth injury that needs attention. The result shows many areas for improvement in healthcare, e.g., the value of a confirmatory diagnosis and care that considers the women´s entire situation. Treatments and preventative measures must be developed to meet the needs of affected women.
The implications for physiotherapy practise include raising awareness about this “hidden” muscle injury and addressing the needs of affected women with a holistic approach. It´s important to explore and alleviate thoughts and symptoms related to everyday life and exercise. This helps women manage their pelvic floor problems so that these issues do not become barriers in their lives.
Levator ani avulsion
Women´s health
