Relationship Involving Sexual Function, Distress Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, and Female Genital Self-Image.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship involving sexual function (SF), the distress symptoms caused by pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), and female genital self-image (GSI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed the GSI, SF and PFD distress symptoms by the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) respectively. Data were analyzed by multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Among the 216 women (age: 50.92 ± 16.31 years) who participated in the study, 114 were sexually active in the previous 4 weeks. In the total sample (p < 0.001; adjusted R2 = 0.097) and among sexually active women (p = 0.010; adjusted R2 = 0.162), the distress symptoms caused by pelvic organ prolapse (POP) were related to the GSI. Among sexually active women, sexual desire also was related to the GSI (p < 0.001; adjusted R2 = 0.126). CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study provide additional knowledge about female GSI and suggest that SF and POP distress symptoms should be investigated together with the GSI in the clinical practice.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a relação entre a função sexual (FS), o incômodo provocado pelos sintomas de disfunção do assoalho pélvico (DAP) e a autoimagem genital (AIG) feminina. MATERIAIS E MéTODOS: A AIG, a FS e incômodo causado pelos sintomas de DAP foram avaliados pela Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS), pelo Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) e pelo Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), respectivamente. Os dados foram analisados por regressão linear múltipla. RESULTADOS: Das 216 mulheres (idade: 50,92 ± 16,31 anos) que participaram do estudo, 114 eram sexualmente ativas nas últimas 4 semanas. Na amostra total (p < 0,001; R2 ajustado = 0,097) e entre as mulheres sexualmente ativas (p = 0,010; R2 ajustado = 0,162), o incômodo provocado pelos sintomas de prolapso de órgãos pélvicos (POP) relacionou-se à AIG. Entre as mulheres sexualmente ativas, o desejo sexual também se relacionou à AIG (p < 0,001; R2 ajustado = 0,126). CONCLUSãO: Os achados deste estudo fornecem conhecimento adicional sobre a AIG feminina e sugerem que a FS e o incômodo causado pelos sintomas de POP devem ser investigados juntamente com a AIG na prática clínica.

Pelvic floor dysfunctions in women with fibromyalgia: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a rheumatic syndrome that causes musculoskeletal disorders and is associated with several problems that affect quality of life. As the musculoskeletal system is affected, it can have an impact on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). OBJECTIVE: Investigate the occurrence of PFD, such as urinary incontinence (UI) and anal incontinence (AI), sexual problems, and pelvic organ prolapse (POP), in women with FM compared to a control group composed of women without FM; and investigate the association between FM and PFD. STUDY DESIGN: This was an online cross-sectional survey. Demographic and anthropometric data, the description of PFD (UI, nocturia, AI, genital-pelvic pain/penetration disorder, and POP), and previous obstetric history were collected through a web-based questionnaire. The groups were compared using the independent t-test for quantitative variables and the chi-square test for categorical variables. The association between FM and PFD was tested using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 175 women answered the questionnaire (97 with FM and 78 healthy controls). The women with FM reported significantly more UI, mixed urinary incontinence, AI, POP, and vaginismus than the healthy controls (p ≤ 0.05). FM was associated with mixed urinary incontinence (OR: 2.6; 95 % CI: 1.1-6.4; p = 0.04), anal incontinence (OR: 2.9; 95 % CI: 1.3-6.1; p = 0.01), and flatus incontinence (OR: 2.6; 95 % CI: 1.2-5.4; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PFD was significantly higher in women with FM compared to healthy women. Indeed, the women with FM were 2.6-fold to 2.9-fold more likely to report mixed urinary incontinence, anal and flatus incontinence than those in the control group. The present findings show possible impairment of the pelvic floor musculature in women with FM.

Role of top flat magnetic stimulation for urinary incontinence as a debilitating condition of pelvic floor dysfunction: an observational evaluation of Latin American population.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common dysfunction of the pelvic floor, affecting 10-20% of all women, and up to 70% in the elderly general prevalence of 17% 20-year-old women and 38% in women over 60 years. It is estimated that only 25% of patients seek treatment for this debilitating condition. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a device based on top flat magnetic stimulation to treat pelvic floor disorders especially female urinary incontinence. METHODS: A total of 33 volunteer patients were divided into 5 groups according to the type of complaint. Subjects received 8 treatment sessions, with a frequency of twice a week with two different settings. Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire (PFBQ), Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-12) and Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) were compiled by all patients at the beginning and after 3 months from the end of the last treatment (3MFU). RESULTS: The patient's scores from validated Questionnaires significantly decreased (p < 0.01) from baseline up to 3MFU inside most of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The noninvasiveness and safety of device make this approach an interesting tool as alternative approach for pelvic floor dysfunctions .

Effect of Surgical Treatment for Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis on Pelvic Floor Disorders: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of surgical treatment of deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) on pelvic floor dysfunction (urinary incontinence [UI], pelvic organ prolapse [POP], fecal incontinence [FI)] or constipation, and sexual function [dyspareunia]). DATA SOURCE: The present systematic review was performed in the PubMed database. For the selection of studies, articles should be published by January 5, 2021, without language restriction. STUDY SELECTION: Six randomized controlled studies that evaluated surgical treatment for DIE and the comparison of different surgical techniques were included. DATA COLLECTION: The studies were selected independently by title and abstract by two authors. Disagreements were resolved by a third author. All included studies were also evaluated according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the quality of the evidence was analyzed using the GRADE criteria. Subgroup analysis by different treatments and follow-up periods was also performed. RESULTS: Six studies were included in the quantitative analysis. The risk of bias between studies showed an uncertain risk of bias for most studies, with concealment of allocation being the least reported category. The quality of the evidence was considered low. High heterogeneity was found between the studies. No study has evaluated UI or POP comparatively before and after surgery. CONCLUSION: Dyspareunia and FI have improved after the surgical procedure, but it was not possible to demonstrate which surgical technique was related to these outcomes as there was surgical heterogeneity. This diversity was found across data, with the recommendation of future prospective studies addressing pelvic floor disorders with DIE.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o impacto do tratamento cirúrgico para endometriose infiltrante profunda (EIP) nas disfunções do assoalho pélvico (incontinência urinária [IU], prolapso de órgãos pélvicos [POP], incontinência fecal [IF] ou constipação e função sexual [dispareunia]). FONTE DE DADOS: A presente revisão sistemática foi realizada na base de dados PubMed. Para a seleção dos estudos, os artigos deveriam ser publicados até 5 de janeiro de 2021, sem restrição de idioma. SELEçãO DOS ESTUDOS: Foram incluídos seis estudos randomizados e controlados que avaliaram o tratamento cirúrgico para EIP e a comparação de diferentes técnicas cirúrgicas. COLETA DE DADOS: Os estudos foram selecionados de forma independente por título e resumo por dois autores. As discordâncias foram avaliadas por um terceiro autor. Todos os estudos incluídos foram avaliados de acordo com a ferramenta Cochrane de risco de viés e a qualidade de evidência foi analisada usando os critérios GRADE. A análise de subgrupo por diferentes tratamentos e períodos de acompanhamento também foi realizada. RESULTADOS: Seis estudos foram incluídos na análise quantitativa. O risco de viés mostrou um risco incerto de viés para a maioria dos estudos, sendo a ocultação da alocação a categoria menos relatada. A qualidade de evidência foi considerada baixa. Alta heterogeneidade foi encontrada entre os estudos. Nenhum estudo avaliou a IU ou o POP comparativamente antes e após a cirurgia. CONCLUSãO: A dispareunia e a IF melhoraram após o procedimento cirúrgico, mas não foi possível demonstrar qual técnica cirúrgica esteve relacionada a estes desfechos, pois houve heterogeneidade cirúrgica. Esta diversidade foi encontrada nos dados, com a recomendação de estudos prospectivos futuros abordando distúrbios do assoalho pélvico com EIP.

Prevalence of sarcopenia in older women with pelvic floor dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a determinant of age-related skeletal muscle weakness. In this sense, it is believed that there may be a pathophysiological association between pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and sarcopenia; however, few articles investigating an association between these two pathologies have been published. OBJECTIVES: To identify the prevalence of sarcopenia in older women with PFD and verify the association between the severity of PFD and the severity of sarcopenia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was undertaken in urogynaecology outpatient clinics in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Women with PFD aged ≥ 60 years were included. Women with cognitive impairments, amputations and/or limb fractures were excluded. Sociodemographic, anthropometric and PFD data were evaluated, and tests for measuring muscle strength, muscle mass and physical performance were performed. RESULTS: In total, 217 women were included in this study; of these, 121 (55.8%) presented without sarcopenia, 71 (32.7%) presented with probable sarcopenia, 23 (10.6%) presented with confirmed sarcopenia, and two (0.9%) presented with severe sarcopenia. Regarding sarcopenia related to PFD, a higher prevalence of probable sarcopenia was observed in women with urinary incontinence (UI) (n = 55, 77.5%). Confirmed sarcopenia was more prevalent in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) (n = 19, 82.6%); among these cases, most women had POP of the anterior, posterior and apical compartments (n = 8, 42.1%). All the women with severe sarcopenia had UI and POP and, considering the specific types of these dysfunctions, the prevalence of severe sarcopenia was 50.0% in the women with UI and POP of the anterior and apical wall. The most severe stages of POP were associated with sarcopenia (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of sarcopenia in women with PFD was high. Healthcare providers who assist women with PFD should consider the possibility of assessing sarcopenia, especially when faced with more extensive POP in older women. The evaluation of sarcopenia may play a role in the management of women with PFD.

A systematic review of the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of pelvic floor dysfunctions in nurses.

AIM: To investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of pelvic floor dysfunctions in female nurses. DESIGN: A systematic review. DATA SOURCES: Searches were conducted in the following five electronic databases: PubMed/Medline, LILACS, SCIELO, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL. There were no period or language limitations. REVIEW METHODS: Data extraction and synthesis were conducted and the appraisal of the quality of the studies was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool checklist for prevalence data. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies were included. The symptoms investigated were lower urinary tract symptoms, including urinary incontinence and its subtypes, sexual dysfunctions, constipation, faecal incontinence, and dual incontinence. Overall, prevalence ranged from 9.9% to 89.6%. Associated factors related to occupational roles were lifting heavy weights and poor bladder habits. Quality of life was significantly worse for nurses with pelvic floor disorders. CONCLUSION: Pelvic floor dysfunctions are very common among female nurses, considerably affecting their quality of life. Additional studies are needed to investigate the impact on work productivity, causal relationships with the occupation and the performance of prevention and treatment interventions directed toward this population.

Physical Therapy Intervention for Women With Dyspareunia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Dyspareunia negatively affects women´s quality of life, and is a frequent complaint during the peri- and postmenopausal period. A randomized trial evaluated sexual function, quality of life, pain, and pelvic floor muscle function of climacteric women aged between 40 and 60 years old who were sexually active and had complaints of dyspareunia for at least six months. They were assessed before and after their randomization in one of the following interventions: the first group (n = 21) received five one-hour sessions of thermotherapy for relaxation of pelvic floor muscles, myofascial release, and pelvic training (pelvic floor muscle training-PFMT group). The second group (n = 21) received five one-hour sessions during which heat was applied to the lower back with myofascial release of abdominal diaphragm, piriformis, and iliopsoas muscles, with no involvement of pelvic training (lower back-LB group). Forty-two climacteric women with dyspareunia (mean ± SD, PFMT group: 51.9 ± 5.3 years, LB group: 50.6 ± 4.7 years, Student's t-test, p = 0.397) were studied. Pain scores (mean ± SEM) in the PFMT group decreased from 7.77 ± 0.38 to 2.25 ± 0.30; and in the LB group from 7.62 ± 0.29 to 5.58 ± 0.49 (generalized estimating equation-GEE model, p ≤ 0.001 for group, time, and interaction pairwise comparisons). Conclusion: The proposed pelvic floor muscle training protocol was effective to improve pain, quality of life, sexual function, and pelvic floor muscle function in climacteric women with dyspareunia.

Profile and quality of life of women in pelvic floor rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the sociodemographic, clinical, and sexual profile, identify profile variables that affect the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), and evaluate the correlation between two HRQoL questionnaires used in a pelvic floor rehabilitation program. METHOD: This is an observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study, based on patient records and two questionnaires for HRQoL evaluation. RESULTS: Women presented a mean age of 55.4 years; were married; white; had stress, urge, or mixed urinary incontinence (UI) of moderate to large urine release; and daily or diurnal UI. Only 50.5% had an active sex life and most had sexual complaints. The change in sexual activity and some types of UI affected the HRQoL. The two questionnaires presented a correlation. CONCLUSION: The profile and correlation between the questionnaires are consistent with the literature. The type of UI and changes in sexual activity affect the HRQoL.

Profile and quality of life of women in pelvic floor rehabilitation / Perfil y calidad de vida de mujeres en rehabilitación del piso pélvico / Perfil e qualidade de vida de mulheres em reabilitação do assoalho pélvico

ABSTRACT Objective: Describe the sociodemographic, clinical, and sexual profile, identify profile variables that affect the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), and evaluate the correlation between two HRQoL questionnaires used in a pelvic floor rehabilitation program. Method: This is an observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study, based on patient records and two questionnaires for HRQoL evaluation. Results: Women presented a mean age of 55.4 years; were married; white; had stress, urge, or mixed urinary incontinence (UI) of moderate to large urine release; and daily or diurnal UI. Only 50.5% had an active sex life and most had sexual complaints. The change in sexual activity and some types of UI affected the HRQoL. The two questionnaires presented a correlation. Conclusion: The profile and correlation between the questionnaires are consistent with the literature. The type of UI and changes in sexual activity affect the HRQoL.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir el perfil sociodemográfico, clínico y sexual; identificar variables del perfil que interfieren en la Calidad de Vida Relacionada a la Salud (CVRS) y evaluar correlación entre dos cuestionarios de CVRS usados en un Programa de Rehabilitación del Piso Pélvico. Método: Estudio observacional, analítico, transversal, basado en fichas de atención y en dos cuestionarios de evaluación de CVRS. Resultados: La media etaria de las mujeres era de 55,4 años, casadas, blancas, con incontinencia urinaria (IU) de esfuerzo, de urgencia o mixta, con pérdidas urinarias de moderada a gran cantidad, diarias y diurnas. Solo 50,5% llevaba vida sexual activa. La mayoría expresaba quejas sexuales. El cambio en la actividad sexual y algunos tipos de IU afectaron la CVRS. Los cuestionarios demostraron correlación. Conclusión: El perfil y la correlación entre ambos cuestionarios concuerdan con la literatura. El tipo de UI y los cambios en la actividad sexual afectan la CVRS.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever o perfil sociodemográfico, clínico e sexual, identificar variáveis do perfil que interferem na Qualidade de Vida Relacionada à Saúde (QVRS) e avaliar correlação entre dois questionários de QVRS usados em um Programa de Reabilitação do Assoalho Pélvico. Método: Estudo observacional, analítico e transversal, com base em fichas de atendimento e dois questionários de avaliação da QVRS. Resultados: As mulheres possuíam idade média de 55,4 anos, eram casadas, brancas, tinham incontinência urinária (IU) de esforço, de urgência ou mista, com perdas urinárias de moderada a grande quantidade, diárias e diurnas. Apenas 50,5% tinham vida sexual ativa e a maioria apresentava queixas sexuais. A mudança na atividade sexual e alguns tipos de IU afetaram a QVRS. Os dois questionários apresentaram correlação. Conclusão: O perfil e a correlação entre os questionários condizem com a literatura. Tipo de IU e mudança na atividade sexual afetam a QVRS.

Does vaginal delivery cause more damage to the pelvic floor than cesarean section as determined by 3D ultrasound evaluation? A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Pregnancy and delivery are well-established risk factors for pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), but the physiopathology, such as the delivery route, is not well understood. This study evaluated the impact of delivery route on the pelvic floor muscles via 3D ultrasound. METHODS: This review is registered in the PROSPERO database. The criteria for inclusion were prospective studies with 3D translabial ultrasound assessment in primigravida women during pregnancy and postpartum published in English, Spanish or Portuguese between 1980 and 2016. We excluded studies that did not include the topic of urogenital hiatus measurement and literature reviews. The MeSH terms were obstetric delivery, postpartum period, labor, parturition, three-dimensional images, ultrasonography, pelvic floor, and pelvic floor disorders. RESULTS: The search retrieved 155 articles. After analysis, 6 articles were included. Four studies showed that vaginal delivery (VD) was associated with a larger hiatal area. One study associated the hiatal area with levator ani muscle (LAM) defects in VD. Four articles evaluated the bladder neck, 3 of which showed a significant increase in bladder neck mobility associated with VD and 1 showed decreased bladder neck elevation, not associated with the delivery mode; the first 3 articles all evaluated LAM injuries and showed an association between VD and LAM injury. Women who underwent VD presented defects of the puborectalis muscle. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal delivery was associated with a higher number of LAM injuries, puborectalis defects, increased bladder neck mobility, and enlargement of the hiatal area.

Oocyte oxidative DNA damage may be involved in minimal/mild endometriosis-related infertility.

Early endometriosis is associated with infertility, and oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of disease-related infertility. This prospective case-control study aimed to compare the presence of oxidative stress markers in the follicular microenvironment and systemic circulation of infertile women with minimal/mild endometriosis (EI/II) versus individuals undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Seventy-one blood samples (27 from infertile women with EI/II and 44 controls with tubal and/or male infertility factor) and 51 follicular fluid samples (19 EI/II and 32 controls) were obtained on the day of oocyte retrieval. Total hydroperoxides (FOX1 ), reduced glutathione, vitamin E, Superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) concentrations were measured in both fluids. Women with EI/II showed higher FOX1 (8.48 ± 1.72 vs. 7.69 ± 1.71 µmol/g protein) and lower total antioxidant capacity (0.38 ± 0.18 vs. 0.46 ± 0.15 mEq Trolox/L) concentrations in serum, and higher 8OHdG concentrations (24.21 ± 8.56 vs. 17.22 ± 5.6 ng/ml) in follicular fluid compared with controls. These data implicate both systemic and follicular oxidative stress may in infertile women with EI/II undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation for ICSI. Furthermore, the elevated 8OHdG concentrations in follicular fluid of women with EI/II may be related to compromised oocyte quality.

Female double incontinence: prevalence, incidence, and risk factors from the SABE (Health, Wellbeing and Aging) study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Double Incontinence (DI) is incontinence of urine and stool and is an extreme manifestation of pelvic floor dysfunction. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and incidence of DI and the risk factors in elderly women in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: This was a prospective study in women aged 65 years or older evaluated in 2006 and re-evaluated in 2010. The sample was selected by two-phase stratified sampling with replacement and probability proportional to size. The likelihood ratio test was performed and Cox regression curves were generated to evaluate the equality of survival. Poisson's regression was used to evaluate risk factors. RESULTS: This is the first study on the incidence of DI in elderly women. A total of 864 elderly women were interviewed in 2006. The prevalence rate of DI was 4.9%. The incidence rate of DI in the period between 2006 and 2010 was 13.8/1,000 person-years. Associated factors were the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, difficulty with basic activities of daily living (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), polypharmacy and falls in the last year. Poisson's regression analysis showed that falls in the last year and difficulty with at least three IADL were risk factors for DI. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of DI seems to be high in this population. Falls in the last year and difficulty with at least three IADL were identified as risk factors. Preventive measures must be implemented with public health policies to prevent increases in DI.

Fortalecimiento de la musculatura del piso pélvico en gestantes en control en un centro de salud familiar: un estudio experimental / Strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles in control pregnant women in a family health center: an experimental study

ANTECEDENTES: Aunque la presencia de disfunciones del piso pélvico es más prevalente en mujeres adultas de avanzada edad, durante el embarazo o post parto se puede presentar incontinencia urinaria (IU), siendo la de esfuerzo (IUE) la más común en este período. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el efecto del entrenamiento de la musculatura del piso pélvico (EMPP) en gestantes controladas en el Centro de Salud Familiar de la comuna de Yerbas Buenas, durante el año 2016. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio piloto cuasi-experimental en gestantes entre 20 y 40 anos, atendidas en Atención Primaria de Salud. Muestra piloto: 20 gestantes (20 a 28 semanas de gestación). Se les evaluó la fuerza de la musculatura pélvica (FMP) mediante Escala de Oxford Modificada al inicio y luego de 8 semanas de EMPP, además se midieron las características socio-bio-demográficas, antecedentes mórbidos y obstétricos, hábitos y la sintomatología urinaria, lo que fue medido utilizando el International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form (ICIQ-SF). RESULTADOS: El 50% de las gestantes refirió IU durante el embarazo, siendo en el 95% IUE. No se relacionó la paridad, tipo de parto y EN con menor FMP. El EMPP mejoró significativamente la FMP de las gestantes (p<0,05) CONCLUSIONES: La IUE fue la DPP más prevalente en las gestantes. Es posible mejorar la FMP en gestantes con el EMPP, por tanto, se debería considerar su incorporación a las prestaciones del sistema público de salud como una acción de promoción de la salud sexual y reproductiva, ya que es una intervención de bajo costo y baja complejidad.

BACKGROUND: Although pelvic floor dysfunctions are more prevalent in older adult women, urinary incontinence may be present during pregnancy or postpartum, with stress incontinence (SUI) being the most common in this period. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle training on pregnant women attended in a family health center in Yerbas Buenas, Chile, in 2016. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Pilot quasi-experimental study in pregnant women, aged between 20 and 40, attending a primary health care center. Pilot sample: 20 pregnant women (20 to 28 weeks). Pelvic muscle strength was assessed by Modified Oxford Scale at the beginning of the study and then after 8 weeks of exercising. Socio-and bio-demographic characteristics, morbidity and obstetric history, habits, and urinary symptoms were assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form (ICIQ-SF). RESULTS: 50% of the women presented urinary incontinence during pregnancy, with 95% of them suffering from stress incontinence. Parity, type of delivery and nutritional status did not relate to lower pelvic musculature strength. Pelvic floor muscle training significantly improved the women's pelvic muscle strength (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Stress urinary incontinence was the most prevalent pelvic floor dysfunction in pregnant women. It is possible to improve pelvic muscle strength in pregnant women through pelvic floor muscle training; therefore, their inclusion into the public health system should be considered as an action to promote sexual and reproductive health, since it is a low-cost and low-complexity intervention.

Clinical impact of bowel symptoms in women with pelvic floor disorders.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlations between the POP-Q Bp point and the perineal body (Pb) and genital hiatus (Gh) measurements and constipation, anal incontinence, severity of symptoms and quality of life. METHODS: The patients were distributed into two groups according to the posterior vaginal wall Bp point: one group with Bp ≤-1 (without posterior vaginal wall prolapse, control group) and the other group with Bp ≥0 (with posterior vaginal wall prolapse, case group). Demographic data, defecatory dysfunction and SF-36 scores were compared between the groups. Correlations between severity of posterior prolapse (Bp, Gh, Pb and Gh + Pb) and severity of bowel symptoms were also calculated. RESULTS: A total of 613 women were evaluated, of whom 174 were included, 69 (39.7%) in the control group and 105 (60.3%) in the case group. The groups were similar in terms of anal incontinence, fecal urgency and/or constipation. There was no correlation between the severity of constipation and anal incontinence according to the Wexner score, and the severity of posterior vaginal wall prolapse measured in terms of point Bp. There were, however, statistically significant differences in Pb, Gh and Gh + Pb between the groups. The Pb and Gh + Pb measurements were positively correlated with symptoms of constipation, as well as with the scores of some SF-36 domains, but were not correlated with anal incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the severity of posterior vaginal wall prolapse is not correlated with constipation or anal incontinence, but Pb and Gh + Pb measurements are correlated with constipation and SF-36 scores.

Perineal Massage Improves the Dyspareunia Caused by Tenderness of the Pelvic Floor Muscles / Massagem perineal melhora a dispareunia causada por tensão dos músculos do assoalho pélvico

ABSTRACT Aim: To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of perineal Thiele massage in the treatment of women with dyspareunia caused by tenderness of the pelvic floor muscles. Methods: A total of 18 women with diagnoses of dyspareunia caused by tenderness of the pelvic floor muscles were included in the study. The women were divided in two groups: the dyspareunia (D) group - 8 women with dyspareunia caused by tenderness of the pelvic floor muscles; and the chronic pelvic pain group (CPP) group - 10 women with dyspareunia caused by tenderness of the pelvic floor muscles associated with CPP. Each patient filled out the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the McGill Pain Index, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). After an evaluation, the women underwent transvaginal massage using the Thiele technique over a period of 5 minutes, once a week for 4 weeks. Results: All women had significant improvements in their dyspareunia according the VAS and the McGill Pain Index (p < 0,001), but the HADS scores did not show significant differences. Regarding sexual function, the D group showed improvements on all aspects of sexual function, while the CPP group showed differences only in the pain domain. Conclusion: Thiele massage is effective in the treatment of dyspareunia caused by tenderness of the pelvic floor muscles with a long-term pain relief.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia em longo prazo da massagem perineal de Thiele no tratamento de mulheres com dispareunia provocada pela tensão dos músculos do assoalho pélvico. Métodos: Foram incluídos no estudo dezoito mulheres com diagnóstico de dispareunia provocada pela tensão dos músculos do assoalho pélvico. As mulheres foram divididas em dois grupos: o grupo dispareunia (D) - 8 mulheres com dispareunia causada pela tensão dos músculos do assoalho pélvico; e o grupo de dor pélvica crônica (DPC): 10 mulheres com dispareunia causada pela tensão dos músculos do assoalho pélvico associados à DPC. Cada paciente preencheu Escala Visual Analógica (EVA), Índice de Dor de McGill, Índice de Função Sexual Feminino (IFSF) e Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (EHAD). Após a avaliação, as mulheres foram submetidas a massagem transvaginal utilizando a técnica de Thiele ao longo de um período de 5 minutos, 1 vez por semana durante 4 semanas. Resultados: Todas as mulheres tiveram melhora significativa da dispareunia de acordo com a EVA e o Índice de Dor de McGill (p < 0,001), mas na pontuação do EHAD não mostraram diferenças significativas. Em relação à função sexual, o grupo D apresentou melhora de todos os aspectos da função sexual, enquanto o grupo DPC mostrou diferenças apenas no domínio dor. Conclusão: A massagem perineal de Thiele é eficaz no tratamento da dispareunia causada pela tensão dos músculos do assoalho pélvico, com alívio da dor a longo prazo.

Perineal Massage Improves the Dyspareunia Caused by Tenderness of the Pelvic Floor Muscles.

Aim To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of perineal Thiele massage in the treatment of women with dyspareunia caused by tenderness of the pelvic floor muscles. Methods A total of 18 women with diagnoses of dyspareunia caused by tenderness of the pelvic floor muscles were included in the study. The women were divided in two groups: the dyspareunia (D) group - 8 women with dyspareunia caused by tenderness of the pelvic floor muscles; and the chronic pelvic pain group (CPP) group - 10 women with dyspareunia caused by tenderness of the pelvic floor muscles associated with CPP. Each patient filled out the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the McGill Pain Index, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). After an evaluation, the women underwent transvaginal massage using the Thiele technique over a period of 5 minutes, once a week for 4 weeks. Results All women had significant improvements in their dyspareunia according the VAS and the McGill Pain Index (p < 0,001), but the HADS scores did not show significant differences. Regarding sexual function, the D group showed improvements on all aspects of sexual function, while the CPP group showed differences only in the pain domain. Conclusion Thiele massage is effective in the treatment of dyspareunia caused by tenderness of the pelvic floor muscles with a long-term pain relief.

Prevalence of unreported bowel symptoms in women with pelvic floor dysfunction and the impact on their quality of life.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Little information is available on the recurrent coexistence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), urinary (UI) and/or anal (AI) incontinence and defecatory dysfunctions and the relationship between these disorders. The purpose of this study is to report the prevalence, bother, and impact on quality of life (QoL) of unreported bowel symptoms in women presenting to a Brazilian tertiary urogynecology clinic. METHODS: The study was a cross-section survey of 172 patients with symptoms of pelvic floor disorders (PFD). Patients who reported any defecatory and/or continence disorders were included in the study group, and the others were included in the control group. Patients with UI were also compared with those with double incontinence (DI): AI and UI. Univariate analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous nonparametric data. RESULTS: After the interview, 54.6 % (n = 94) of patients presented AI and/or defecatory disorders: 67.0 % constipation, 41.4 % AI, and 34.0 % fecal urgency. Women from the study group scored worse in the QoL questionnaires compared with women from the control group. Among women with UI, 23.21 % had associated AI. Women with DI scored worse in the QoL questionnaires. CONCLUSION: Anal and urinary dysfunctions are usually associated and have a great impact on a woman's QoL. An integrated approach across specialties should lead to improved patient care. Therefore, our study is relevant because it emphasizes the importance of urogynecologists routinely investigating such symptoms. To do so, standardized questionnaires should be included in the evaluation of all these patients.

Use of dynamic 3-dimensional transvaginal and transrectal ultrasonography to assess posterior pelvic floor dysfunction related to obstructed defecation.

BACKGROUND: New ultrasound techniques may complement current diagnostic tools, and combined techniques may help to overcome the limitations of individual techniques for the diagnosis of anorectal dysfunction. A high degree of agreement has been demonstrated between echodefecography (dynamic 3-dimensional anorectal ultrasonography) and conventional defecography. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate the ability of a combined approach consisting of dynamic 3-dimensional transvaginal and transrectal ultrasonography by using a 3-dimensional biplane endoprobe to assess posterior pelvic floor dysfunctions related to obstructed defecation syndrome in comparison with echodefecography. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a prospective, observational cohort study conducted at a tertiary-care hospital. PATIENTS: Consecutive female patients with symptoms of obstructed defecation were eligible. INTERVENTION: Each patient underwent assessment of posterior pelvic floor dysfunctions with a combination of dynamic 3-dimensional transvaginal and transrectal ultrasonography by using a biplane transducer and with echodefecography. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Kappa (κ) was calculated as an index of agreement between the techniques. Diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values) of the combined technique in detection of posterior dysfunctions was assessed with echodefecography as the standard for comparison. RESULTS: A total of 33 women were evaluated. Substantial agreement was observed regarding normal relaxation and anismus. In detecting the absence or presence of rectocele, the 2 methods agreed in all cases. Near-perfect agreement was found for rectocele grade I, grade II, and grade III. Perfect agreement was found for entero/sigmoidocele, with near-perfect agreement for rectal intussusception. Using echodefecography as the standard for comparison, we found high diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal and transrectal ultrasonography in the detection of posterior dysfunctions. LIMITATIONS: This combined technique should be compared with other dynamic techniques and validated with conventional defecography. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic 3-dimensional transvaginal and transrectal ultrasonography is a simple and fast ultrasound technique that shows strong agreement with echodefecography and may be used as an alternative method to assess patients with obstructed defecation syndrome.

Urinary incontinence in pregnant women and its relation with socio-demographic variables and quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of urinary incontinency (UI) in pregnant women and its relationship with socio-demographic variables and quality of life. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted to investigate 495 women using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF). The survey was conducted on the same day of delivery, with the volunteers still in the maternity ward. Statistical analysis of the comparison between groups 1 (incontinence) and 2 (continent) was done using chi-square test for comparison of proportions of women with and without urinary incontinency and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: From the total of 495 women studied, 352 (71%) reported having had UI during the last four weeks of pregnancy. Group 1 presented the ICIQ-SF median score of 11 (range 3-21), considered as severe impact in quality of life. Logistic regression analysis showed that there was a closer relation between the self-report of UI with the following variables: level of education below 8 years (OR: 2.99; p < 0.001), black women (OR: 2.32; p= 0.005), women with more than 3 children (OR: 4.93; p < 0.001), obese (OR: 4.22; p < 0.001) and normal vaginal delivery (OR: 2.59; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The majority of pregnant women have UI, negatively affecting the quality of their lives.

Urinary incontinence in pregnant women and its relation with socio-demographic variables and quality of life / Incontinência urinária na gravidez e sua relação com as variáveis sociodemográficas e qualidade de vida

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of urinary incontinency (UI) in pregnantwomen and its relationship with socio-demographic variables and quality of life. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted to investigate 495 women using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF). The survey was conducted on the same day of delivery, with the volunteers still in the maternity ward. Statistical analysis of the comparison between groups 1 (incontinence) and 2 (continent) was done using chi-square test for comparison of proportions of women with and without urinary incontinency and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: From the total of 495 women studied, 352 (71%) reported having had UI during the last four weeks of pregnancy. Group 1 presented the ICIQ-SF median score of 11 (range 3- 21), considered as severe impact in quality of life. Logistic regression analysis showed that there was a closer relation between the self-report of UI with the following variables: level of education below 8 years (OR: 2.99; p < 0.001), black women (OR: 2.32; p= 0.005), women with more than 3 children (OR: 4.93; p < 0.001), obese (OR: 4.22; p < 0.001) and normal vaginal delivery (OR: 2.59; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The majority of pregnantwomen have UI, negatively affecting the quality of their lives.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a ocorrência de incontinência urinária (IU) em mulheres grávidas, e a relação com variáveis sociodemográficas e a qualidade de vida. MÉTODOS: Estudo multicêntrico do tipo descritivo, transversal, a fim de verificar por meio do International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire -Short Form (ICIQ-SF) a IU e m 495 mulheres. Os dados foram coletados no dia do parto, nas maternidades elegidas. A comparação das proporções entre os grupos 1 (incontinente) e 2 (continente) foi realizada pelo teste de qui-quadrado e a verificação das variáveis que mais se associavam com a IU por análise de regressão logística. RESULTADOS: No total 71,11% (352) apresentaram IU durante as últimas quatro semanas de gestação. O grupo 1 apresentou escore do ICIQ-SF de 12,11 (min. = 3e máx. = 21), considerado severo impacto na qualidade de vida. Na análise multivariada de regressão logística encontramos maior relacão entre o relato de IU com as seguintes variáveis: escolaridade abaixo de 8 anos (OR: 2,99; p < 0,001), raça negra (OR: 2,32; p= 0,005), mulheres com mais de 3 filhos (OR: 4,93; p < 0,001), obesas (OR: 4,22; p < 0,001) e parto normal (OR: 2,59; p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A maioria das mulheres tinha IU, afetando sua qualidade de vida negativamente.