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Updated: May 28, 2026
03:49
Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
Published on: September 20, 2018
Do Women Understand Urogynecologic Terminology?
Lara Senekjian1, Kristina Heintz, Marlene J Egger
1Health Sciences Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.
Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery
|October 11, 2011
Summary
Most women lack knowledge of urogynecologic terms like urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Higher education and experiencing a vaginal bulge improved understanding, indicating a need for better public health communication.
Area of Science:
- Urogynecology
- Women's Health
- Medical Terminology Literacy
Background:
- Many women lack understanding of common urogynecologic terms.
- This knowledge gap may hinder effective communication and treatment seeking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess women's awareness of key urogynecologic diagnostic terms.
- To identify factors associated with understanding these terms.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 376 women in gynecologic clinics regarding knowledge of urinary incontinence, pelvic floor disorder, and pelvic organ prolapse.
- Statistical analysis (chi-squared and t-tests) to compare knowledge levels based on demographics and symptoms.
Main Results:
- Only 25% of women knew all three terms; 18% knew none.
- Awareness was highest for urinary incontinence (80%) and lowest for pelvic floor disorder (27%).
- Higher education and experiencing a vaginal bulge were linked to greater knowledge.
Conclusions:
- Current public health campaigns using terms like pelvic organ prolapse may not effectively reach women.
- Improved health literacy in urogynecology is crucial, necessitating further education and research.
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