South Med J. 2026 Aug 3;119(8):500-503. doi: 10.14423/SMJ.0000000000001996.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Using the most recent US population projections data, we sought to update the estimated number of women who will undergo surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in the United States from 2025 through 2060. We hypothesize that the number of pelvic floor surgeries will increase in the upcoming decades.
METHODS: We used the 2017 National Population Projections from the US Census Bureau, which provides age-specific estimates on the number of women in the US from 2025 to 2060. We used previously published age-specific rates of surgery for women undergoing SUI-only surgery, POP-only surgery, and either SUI or POP surgery. These rates were applied to the population estimates of women aged 18 to 89 years to determine the projected surgeries from 2025 to 2060 in 5-year increments.
RESULTS: From 2025 to 2060, the population of women in the United Sates ages 18 to 89 years is projected to increase 17%, from 136.0 million to 158.5 million. Correspondingly, the total number of either SUI or POP surgeries will increase from 469,460 in 2025 to 553,858 in 2060.
CONCLUSIONS: From 2025 to 2060, there will be an 18% increase in the projected number of surgeries for SUI or POP, from 469,460 to 553,858. Our field should be proactive in ensuring that enough specialists and fellowship-trained subspecialists are available to meet the future surgical demands of women with pelvic floor disorders.
PMID:42550940 | DOI:10.14423/SMJ.0000000000001996
