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Objectives The objective of this study was to characterize symptom prevalence, awareness of pelvic floor disorders in family/friends, and understanding of factors contributing to the development of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) in women ages 19–30. Methods A cross-sectional study via online questionnaire survey of female students ages 19–30 enrolled at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Results of “adolescent women” ages 19–24 were compared to “young women” age 25–30. Results 1092 questionnaires were completed with the mean age being 23.5 ± 3.1 years old. The overall rate of urinary incontinence (UI) was 10.3% without a difference between adolescent and young women (p=0.61). There were no differences in rates of urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) (p=0.061), stress urinary incontinence (SUI) (p=0.29), or pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms (p=0.56) between groups. There was no difference between groups in awareness of family members with UI, fecal incontinence (FI) or POP symptoms (p≥0.24). However, logistic regression showed that the young women were more likely to have received education regarding UI (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.8–3.6), FI (aOR 3.3, 95% CI 2.2–4.8), POP (aOR 2.9, 95% CI 2.1–4.2) and have greater understanding regarding causes of UI (aOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.7–4.8), FI (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.3 and POP (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3–2.9). Conclusions Women ages 25–30 had more awareness and understanding of pelvic floor disorders compared to adolescent females. These data may have implications for primary prevention strategies of pelvic floor disorders.

Introduction and Hypothesis Weight-loss has been demonstrated to result in an improvement in fecal incontinence (FI) severity; however, there is a paucity of data addressing differential impact of FI on quality of life (QOL) and results of diagnostic testing across BMI categories. We wished to evaluate symptom distress, QOL, and diagnostic testing parameters among normal, overweight, and obese women with fecal incontinence. Methods Women undergoing evaluation for FI between 2003 and 2012 were identified. Participants completed validated, symptom specific distress, impact, and general QOL measures including the Modified Manchester Questionnaire (MMHQ) which includes the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI), and the mental and physical component summary scores, MCS and PCS, respectively of the Short Form-12. Anorectal manometry measures were also included. Multivariable regression analyses were performed. Results Participants included 407 women with a mean age ± SD of 56 ± 13. Multivariable analyses revealed no differences in symptom specific distress and impact as measured by MMHQ, MCS and PCS across BMI groups, however, obese women had increased resting and squeeze pressures compared to normal and overweight BMI women (p<0.0001and p<0.0001; p = 0.007 and p = 0.004, respectively). Conclusions Obese women with FI did not have more general impact and symptom-specific distress and impact on quality of life as compared to normal and overweight women. Obese women with FI had higher baseline anal resting and squeeze pressures suggesting a lower threshold to leakage with pressure increases.

Minimal data exist to guide surgeons with respect to planning and performing a vaginal hysterectomy. This study identifies available information and future areas for investigation.

Preemptive nonnarcotic and narcotic medications prior to abdominal hysterectomy decrease total narcotic requirements and improve patient postoperative pain assessment and satisfaction scores.