E-Posters-Sexual Activity and Vaginal Erosion Rates in Pessary Wearers

Sexual Activity and Vaginal Erosion Rates in Pessary Wearers - E Grace Neustaedter, RN, MN, NCA

Pdf Summary

This study aimed to determine whether sexual activity is associated with the development of vaginal erosions in women who use pessaries. A total of 279 women were recruited over one year, with 126 in the Erosion Group, 124 in the Control Group, and 29 in the Change Group. The women had worn pessaries for a median of 5.5 years. <br /><br />Data on demographics, lifestyle factors, physical factors, medications, comorbidities, and information about current erosions and pessary type were collected at enrollment. Erosion assessment was based on a pressure ulcer classification and measured in millimeters. <br /><br />The study found that women in the Control Group, who had no erosions, were significantly more sexually active than those in the Erosion and Change groups. Among the sexually active women, the majority reported sexual activity more than once per week. <br /><br />The study has some limitations, including the fact that it may not be representative of all pessary users as it only included women attending the clinic with higher complication rates, health issues, or difficult pessaries. <br /><br />In conclusion, this study suggests that sexual activity may play a role in the maintenance of vaginal health in women who use pessaries. However, further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between sexual activity and erosions in pessary users. <br /><br />The study was funded by the Urology Nurses of Canada and the authors acknowledge the nursing staff at the Pelvic Floor Clinic for their support in recruiting participants.

Keywords

sexual activity

vaginal erosions

women

pessaries

Erosion Group

Control Group

Change Group

demographics

lifestyle factors

physical factors