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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
03:49
Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
Published on: September 20, 2018
Determinants of vaginal length.
Jasmine S Tan1, Emily S Lukacz, Shawn A Menefee
1University of California San Diego Medical Center, USA.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|October 4, 2006
Summary
This study quantifies factors affecting total vaginal length (TVL). While age, height, weight, menopause, and prior surgeries show statistical links to TVL, these changes are not clinically significant.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
- Anatomy
Background:
- Understanding the anatomical variations in total vaginal length (TVL) is crucial for gynecological and reconstructive surgeries.
- Demographic, historic, and physical factors may influence TVL, but their quantitative impact requires detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively describe the associations between total vaginal length (TVL) and various demographic, historic, and physical characteristics.
- To establish a data-driven understanding of factors influencing vaginal dimensions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 3247 women at two clinical sites.
- Data collection included standardized questionnaires and physical examinations.
- Bivariate correlations and multivariate linear regression analyses were employed to assess relationships.
Main Results:
- Age, height, weight, menopause, hysterectomy, and pelvic reconstructive surgery were found to be statistically associated with TVL.
- Specifically, hysterectomy and pelvic reconstructive surgery were linked to TVL shortening, while increased height and weight were associated with lengthening.
- Menopause and aging were associated with TVL shortening, with specific quantitative impacts noted for each factor.
Conclusions:
- Statistically significant associations exist between TVL and factors such as age, menopausal status, body mass, and surgical history.
- Despite statistical significance, the observed changes in TVL due to these factors are unlikely to be clinically significant for patient care.
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