Pelvic floor dysfunction: prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

Background Pelvic floor dysfunction in women encompasses a wide range of clinical disorders: urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, fecal incontinence, and pelvic-perineal region pain syndrome. A literature review did not identify any articles addressing the prevalence of all pelvic floor dysfunctions. Objective Determine the prevalence of the group of pelvic floor disorders and the factors associated with the development of these disorders in women. Material and methods This observational study was conducted with women during 2021 and 2022 in Spain. Sociodemographic and employment data, previous medical history and health status, lifestyle and habits, obstetric history, and health problems were collected through a self-developed questionnaire. The Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) was used to assess the presence and impact of pelvic floor disorders. Pearson's Chi-Square, Odds Ratio (OR) and adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results One thousand four hundred forty-six women participated. Urinary incontinence occurred in 55.8% (807) of the women, fecal incontinence in 10.4% (150), symptomatic uterine prolapse in 14.0% (203), and 18.7% (271) reported pain in the pelvic area. The following were identified as factors that increase the probability of urinary incontinence: menopausal status. For fecal incontinence: having had instrumental births. Factors for pelvic organ prolapse: number of vaginal births, one, two or more. Factors for pelvic pain: the existence of fetal macrosomia. Conclusions The prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction in women is high. Various sociodemographic factors such as age, having a gastrointestinal disease, having had vaginal births, and instrumental vaginal births are associated with a greater probability of having pelvic floor dysfunction. Health personnel must take these factors into account to prevent the appearance of these dysfunctions.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Psychosocial Variables in Women with Colorectal Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…As expected, PFDI-20 total scores were higher than those found in the general Spanish population [33]. Although similar to those found in other patients with pelvic floor dysfunction [17], patients in our study showed higher mean CRADI-8 scores than the former.…”

Women’s sexual health improvement: sexual quality of life and pelvic floor muscle assessment in asymptomatic women

“…Pelvic floor muscles are also responsible for sexual function (arousal, sensation, penetration, and orgasm). Pelvic floor dysfunction in women includes a wide range of clinical disorders: “urinary incontinence (55.8% in Spain women population), fecal incontinence (in 10.4%), symptomatic uterine prolapse (in 14.0%), and pelvic-perineal region pain syndrome (18.7%)” ( 17 ). Urinary incontinence (stress, urge, or mixed, functional incontinence, and overflow incontinence) is defined as involuntary leakage of urine ( 18 ).…”

Comparison of Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Defecography With Clinical Examination in Diagnosing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: An Observational Study

“…PFD is a result of the involvement of all three compartments of the pelvic floor: weakened support of muscles, ligaments, and fasciae [ 2 ]. Globally, the prevalence of PFD ranges between 1.9% and 46.50% [ 3 ]. Though both sexes are frequently affected, prevalence is higher among females and those with advancing age [ 4 , 5 ].…”

“…Together these symptoms produce serious health concerns, as by the age of 80 years, there is an 11% risk of undergoing an index procedure for prolapse or incontinence, and 17-29% of these patients require a second procedure [ 8 ]. The presence of PFS negatively affects the quality of life [ 3 ]. Due to improved medical facilities, life expectancy has increased, and PFS burden is expected to rise.…”