Prevalence of genital prolapse symptoms in primary care: a cross-sectional survey.

Cooper, Jason; Annappa, Manjula; Dracocardos, Davina; Cooper, Wendy; Muller, Sara; Mallen, Christian

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms in a community-dwelling population in the United Kingdom. METHODS: All women over the age of 18 from a community practice were sent the validated International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire for vaginal symptoms (ICIQ-VS), to determine their POP symptoms. Data were analysed as numbers (raw data) and percentages of responders. Statistical comparisons were made using Chi-squared and Kruskal-Wallis tests as appropriate. RESULTS: Questionnaires were mailed to 3,412 women, 1,832 completed questionnaires were received (response 53.7 %). Symptoms strongly associated with prolapse; vaginal bulge/lump and bulge or lump outside of the vagina had a prevalence of 8.4 % and 4.9 % respectively. Vaginal symptoms, previous pelvic floor surgery, and age were statistically increased in those who had had a previous vaginal delivery. There were statistically worse scores (more symptoms) for the group with any vaginal delivery with regard to "feeling a loose or lax vagina", "a vaginal lump or bulge coming down in the vagina". There was a high prevalence of worry regarding sexual function, regardless of delivery status, with no statistically significant differences found between those who had had a vaginal delivery and those who had not. The group with no vaginal deliveries described a statistically significant increase in the reported sensation of "do you feel your vagina is too tight". CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms of POP were increased in those women who had experienced a vaginal delivery, whilst the sensation of having a tight vagina was decreased in those who had had a previous vaginal birth.

Citation

Cooper, J., Annappa, M., Dracocardos, D., Cooper, W., Muller, S., & Mallen, C. (2015). Prevalence of genital prolapse symptoms in primary care: a cross-sectional survey. International Urogynecology Journal, 505 - 510. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-014-2556-x

• Acceptance Date: Oct 18, 2014
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2015
• Journal: International Urogynecology Journal
• Print ISSN: 0937-3462
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Pages: 505 - 510
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-014-2556-x
• Publisher URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00192-014-2556-x