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Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
Published on: September 20, 2018
Constipation: a potential cause of pelvic floor damage?
C Amselem1, A Puigdollers, F Azpiroz
1Pelvic Floor Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|September 19, 2009
Summary
Chronic constipation may be as significant as obstetric trauma in causing pelvic floor damage. Recognizing and treating constipation proactively could reduce its prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Urogynecology
- Pelvic Health
Background:
- Pelvic floor damage is a significant clinical issue, often linked to childbirth injuries.
- This study investigates the potential role of chronic constipation as an overlooked etiological factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that chronic constipation contributes to pelvic floor damage.
- To compare the impact of constipation versus obstetric trauma on pelvic floor integrity.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based assessment of 596 women attending a gynecology clinic.
- Data collected on pelvic floor damage, constipation history, and obstetric trauma.
Main Results:
- Pelvic floor damage was present in 10% of women.
- Constipation was significantly associated with pelvic floor damage (OR: 2.35; P < 0.0001) in multivariate analysis.
- Obstetric trauma showed a trend but was not statistically significant (OR: 1.37; P = 0.3398) in the final model.
Conclusions:
- Constipation is a significant, independently associated factor in pelvic floor damage.
- Proactive management of constipation may reduce the incidence of pelvic floor dysfunction.
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