E-Posters-Is Vaginal Laxity an Early Symptom of Prolapse?

Is Vaginal Laxity an Early Symptom of Prolapse? - James W. Alexander, MBBS

Pdf Summary

A study was conducted to determine if vaginal laxity could be considered an early symptom of pelvic organ prolapse. The study included 531 patients who were assessed for pelvic floor dysfunction at a urogynecological clinic. The patients were interviewed and underwent clinical examination and translabial ultrasound. It was found that the prevalence of vaginal laxity decreased with increasing age, while symptoms of prolapse became more common. However, very few women with objective prolapse perceived vaginal laxity as their only symptom, regardless of age. Therefore, vaginal laxity does not appear to be an early symptom of prolapse.<br /><br />The study also found that levator hiatal ballooning and Gh+Pb, which are associated with vaginal laxity, suggest an organic cause for this condition. Among the patients with objective prolapse, 60% reported prolapse symptoms, while only 5% of those who had not noticed their prolapse reported symptoms of vaginal laxity. There was no difference in the likelihood of noticing vaginal laxity between women below the age of 50 and those above.<br /><br />In conclusion, although vaginal laxity is a bothersome condition that can impact relationships and sexual function, it does not seem to be an early symptom of pelvic organ prolapse. The study provides insights into the prevalence and associations of vaginal laxity and prolapse symptoms, highlighting the need for further research on the etiology and natural history of vaginal laxity.<br /><br />Contact information for the authors of the study is provided as James W Alexander, MBBS, Moshe Gillor, MD, PhD, and Hans Peter Dietz, MD, PhD.

Keywords

vaginal laxity

pelvic organ prolapse

early symptom

prevalence

pelvic floor dysfunction

translabial ultrasound

prolapse symptoms

levator hiatal ballooning

Gh+Pb

organic cause