Objective: To evaluate the basic knowledge and acceptance of PFMT in women who visited the gynecologic out-patient clinic.

Material and Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted by administering a brief, anonymous 2-part questionnaire to 415 women who visited the gynecologic out-patient clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital between November 2010 and January 2011. A questionnaire, consisting of 24 questions, was divided into two parts where part one, made up of 10 questions, collected demographic data and the remaining 14 questions in part 2 gathered more information about the knowledge and acceptance towards PFMT. These questionnaires required approximately five minutes for completion.

Results: Mean age of all women was 42.9 years. The percentage of patients having stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) were 21.9%, 5.3%, and 15.2%, respectively. Overactive bladder (OAB) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) were found in 19.5% and 9.9%, respectively. Half of the respondents were unaware of PFMT efficacy. Most of them (80.2%) never received instruction from their health care providers. However, 52.8% of women expressed interest for requesting PFMT instruction while 84.6% were willing to practice if they were made aware of benefits.

Conclusion: A limited understanding and acceptance of PFMT exists among Thai women. However, if informed, most women express interest in practicing PFMT after clinic visit.

Keywords: Pelvic floor muscle training, Urinary incontinence, Pelvic organ prolapsed, Knowledge, Attitude