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

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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.

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Funding

This study was funded by the principal author through a Keele University Research Account.

Conflicts of interest

J. Cooper has received lecture fees from Astellas. None of the other authors has any conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Newcastle Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 6QG, UK

    Jason Cooper & Davina Dracocardos

  2. Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby, UK

    Manjula Annappa

  3. Kingsbridge Medical Practice, Staffordshire, UK

    Wendy Cooper

  4. University of Keele, Keele, UK

    Sara Muller & Christian Mallen

Authors
  1. Jason Cooper
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  2. Manjula Annappa
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  3. Davina Dracocardos
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  4. Wendy Cooper
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  5. Sara Muller
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  6. Christian Mallen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jason Cooper.

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Cooper, J., Annappa, M., Dracocardos, D. et al. Prevalence of genital prolapse symptoms in primary care: a cross-sectional survey. Int Urogynecol J 26, 505–510 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-014-2556-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-014-2556-x

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