Racial differences in the levator ani muscle and levator hiatus in individuals of reproductive age.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Most studies on pelvic floor muscle morphology (dimensions, shape) and its relationship with patient characteristic risk factors of pelvic floor dysfunction (demographics, medical history) have largely pertained to White individuals with vaginas. There is a need to establish normative data on pelvic floor muscle anatomy and identify morphological differences in racially diverse cohorts that may play a role in racial differences in the prevalence and pathophysiology of pelvic floor dysfunction.

Objective

This study aimed to compare levator ani muscle thickness and levator hiatal morphology and their association with patient characteristics, between asymptomatic Black and White women-identifying individuals with a vagina of reproductive age.

Study design

In t

SUBMITTER: Cason SN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12744907 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature