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Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse in women who lift heavy weights for exercise: a cross-sectional survey

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), defined as the sensation of a vaginal bulge, and associated risk factors in women over 18 years of age who lift light (≤15 kg), moderate (16–50 kg), and heavy (>50 kg) weights for exercise, and those who do not lift weights for exercise.

Methods

Women completed an online survey about risk factors for pelvic floor dysfunctions, physical activity history, and pelvic floor symptoms. A question about a vaginal bulge sensation from the validated Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) was used to indicate symptoms of POP. Relationships between symptoms of POP and possible risk factors were assessed through logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of the 3,934 survey participants, the total prevalence of POP symptoms was 14.4% (n = 566). Category of weight lifted, age, vaginal parity, history of constipation or hemorrhoids, and family history of POP were significantly associated with symptoms. Physically active women lifting weights ≤15 kg were more likely to report symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse than women lifting weights greater than 50 kg (59.7% vs 15.2%; adjusted odds ratio 2.1; 95% confidence interval 1.7–3.4). There was no relationship between POP symptoms and body mass index, forceps delivery, cesarean section, hysterectomy, or menopausal status.

Conclusion

Physically active women who lift heavy weights for exercise do not have an increased prevalence of POP symptoms. Advice on the contribution of heavy weight lifting as part of a physical activity regime to the pathophysiology of POP requires further investigation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

    Lori B. Forner & Michelle D. Smith

  2. School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

    Emma M. Beckman

Authors
  1. Lori B. Forner
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  2. Emma M. Beckman
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Contributions

L.B. Forner: project development, data collection, data analysis, manuscript writing; E.M. Beckman: project development, data collection, data analysis, manuscript writing; M.D. Smith: project development, data collection, data analysis, manuscript writing.

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Correspondence to Lori B. Forner.

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L.B. Forner is a private practice physiotherapist. E.M. Beckman and M.D. Smith declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Forner, L.B., Beckman, E.M. & Smith, M.D. Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse in women who lift heavy weights for exercise: a cross-sectional survey. Int Urogynecol J 31, 1551–1558 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-019-04163-w

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