Purpose Pelvic floor dysfunctions (PDFs) are highly prevalent in adult women. Although pelvic health physiotherapy (PHP) has been found to provide evidence-based interventions to women presenting these conditions, access to such services may be limited. The objective of this study was to explore women’s perceptions and experiences regarding access to pelvic health physiotherapy (PHP).

Methods This study was a qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews. An interview guide was used to interview women having experienced PFD, who had or not accessed PHP services. The content of the interviews was transcribed and analyzed through inductive reflective thematic analysis. The transcripts were coded, and key themes were identified using an iterative process.

Results The participants were 15 women over the age of 18 years. Three main themes were identified: 1) lacking guidance on PFDs and PHP services; 2) neglecting PFDs and their effects; 3) demanding access to quality PHP services.

Conclusion The results of this study provide valuable insights into the access issues faced by women regarding their pelvic health. Findings highlight numerous unmet needs, among which the need to improve knowledge and awareness of PFDs, to address the trivialization of PFD symptoms, and to ensure access to PHP in rural areas.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This work was supported by the Association quebecoise de la physiotherapie and the Reseau provincial de recherche en adaptation-readaptation under a Program 4.6 - Clinical research partnership grant (2020-2021). MM received a salary award from the Fonds de recherche du Quebec -Sante.

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

Yes

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

The Ethical Review Board of the Centre integre universitaire de sante et de services sociaux de lEstrie-Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke gave ethical approval for this work (MP-31-2022-3987).

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I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

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All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors.