Pelvic organ prolapse after delivery: effects on sexual function, quality of life, and psychological health

Abstract

Background Living with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) after delivery negatively impacted women’s daily living and was detrimental to their psychological health. Aim The purpose of the present study was to explore the effects of POP after delivery on women’s sexual function, quality of life (QoL), and psychological health within the first year following delivery. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 640 female participants at obstetric clinic in 2 hospitals in Shenzhen, China. Outcomes All women completed following questionnaires: short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) on sexual function, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) on well-being and QoL, Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) on psychological health, and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form. Results Women with symptomatic POP (N = 250) had higher mean scores (P < .05) than those without symptoms (N = 390) in PISQ-12, PFDI-20, and SCL-90-R domains. In the symptomatic POP group (N = 250), the sexually dysfunctional group (N = 137) had significantly higher mean scores (P < .001) than the sexually functional group (N = 113) in PISQ-12, PFDI-20, and SCL-90-R domains. Women with POP duration ≥6 months (N = 132) had significantly higher mean scores (P < .001) than women with POP duration <6 months (N = 118) in PISQ-12, PFDI-20, and SCL-90-R domains. The multiple linear regression model of PISQ-12 showed that constipation history, regular pelvic floor muscle training, parity, and symptomatic POP were independently correlated with the questionnaire score (P < .05). Clinical Implications The significantly pervasive nature of POP often leads to the neglect of a substantial percentage of sexual problems and related emotional suffering, emphasizing the critical importance of raising awareness about this issue among clinicians and the general public. Strengths and Limitations The current study brought attention to significant aspects of postpartum POP; the findings suggest issues concerning POP occurrences and their impacts on sexual function, QoL, and psychological health. Primary constraints are linked to the utilization of self-report assessments. Conclusion The current study reveals a robust correlation between POP in postpartum women and compromised sexual function, QoL, and psychological health.