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The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of urogenital symptoms in non-institutionalized Dutch women aged 50-75 years, and the degree of discomfort suffered as a result. A questionnaire was sent to 2157 women, a sample representative of the female population aged 50-75 years with respect to age, marital status, level of education and menopausal age. The usable response was 81.6% (n = 1761). The overall prevalence of vaginal dryness, soreness and dyspareunia was 27%. The prevalence of micturition symptoms, urinary incontinence and recurrent urinary tract infection was 36%. The prevalence estimates for vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence showed a linear decrease with increasing age. Almost half of the symptomatic women reported moderate to severe discomfort. One-third of those affected received medical care. Previous hysterectomy had no effect on the reported prevalence estimates. Hysterectomized women reported moderate to severe complaints more often than non-hysterectomized ones. There were no significant differences in prevalence estimates between former and current smokers and non-smokers.

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Over the last decade treatment of POP has been dominated by the use of mesh. Conservative treatment is the first option in women with POP. Surgical repair with or without mesh generally results in good short-term objective and functional outcomes. However, basic research into mesh properties with host response and comparative studies with long-term follow-up are urgently needed.

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