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Pelvic organ prolapse and Japanese lifestyle: prevalence and risk factors in Japan

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Little is known about the prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of POP and identify its risk factors in Japan.

Methods

This was a single-centre, cross-sectional study. We recruited Japanese women seen for a Pap smear from July 2018 through May 2019. After providing their informed consent, subjects were asked to complete questionnaires. Pelvic organ support was assessed using the POP quantification (POP-Q) system by an examiner. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify risk factors for POP.

Results

There were 1032 women aged 21 to 84 years. The distribution of POP-Q stage was stage 0, 38.0%; stage I, 45.0%; stage II, 16.4%; stage III, 0.6%; and stage IV, 0%. Rates (95% confidence interval [CI]) of stage II or greater in each age group were 6.6% (2.4–10.8) in 20 s–30 s; 17.6% (13.3–21.9) in 40 s; 17.1% (12.9–21.3) in 50 s; 18.0% (12.6–23.4) in 60 s; and 28.7% (19.6–37.9) in 70 s and over. Multivariate analysis revealed the following risk factors for POP, with odds ratio (95% CI): body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25 kg/m2, 1.63 (1.05–2.51); BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, 0.40 (0.17–0.94); hysterectomy, 4.09 (1.55–10.80); ≥ 3 vaginal deliveries, 2.26 (1.19–4.28); and ≥ 1 cup of coffee per day, 0.63 (0.43–0.92).

Conclusion

Among Japanese women undergoing routine gynaecological examinations, 17.1% (14.7–19.5) had POP-Q stage II or greater. Overweight, hysterectomy and ≥ 3 vaginal deliveries increased the risk for POP, whereas underweight and daily coffee consumption decreased it.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chuno Kosei Hospital, 5-1 Wakakusa-dori, Seki-shi, Gifu, 501-3802, Japan

    Junko Kato & Naoki Ito

  2. Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan

    Chisato Nagata

  3. Urogyne Center, Japanese Red Cross Gifu Hospital, Gifu, Japan

    Kosei Miwa

  4. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan

    Ken-ichirou Morishige

Authors
  1. Junko Kato
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  2. Chisato Nagata
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  3. Kosei Miwa
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  4. Naoki Ito
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  5. Ken-ichirou Morishige
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Contributions

J Kato: Data collection, Manuscript writing

C Nagata: Preparation of questionnaires, Manuscript editing

N Ito: Research

K Miwa: Study preparation

K Morishige: Study management

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Correspondence to Junko Kato.

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Kato, J., Nagata, C., Miwa, K. et al. Pelvic organ prolapse and Japanese lifestyle: prevalence and risk factors in Japan. Int Urogynecol J 33, 47–51 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-021-04672-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-021-04672-7

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