Prevalence, Bother, and Risk Factors Associated With Occurrence of Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions in Young Women: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD) have been increasingly reported in young female athletes, but it is likely that young women, not specific to athletes, might also experience symptoms of PFD. This study investigated the occurrence of PFD symptoms in young women from the general population, their degree of bother and functional and clinical factors associated with these occurrences. Online survey was conducted with young women from the general population, not specific to athletes. Sociodemographic and clinical data, symptoms of urinary (UI) and anal incontinence (AI), pelvic organ prolapse, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and functional constipation, as well as their degree of bother were collected using validated questionnaires. Fisher exact and χ2 tests, Student t tests, and logistic regression models were applied (α = .05). A total of 337 women aged 18 to 25 years were investigated. The overall occurrence of PFD was 60.0%. Dyspareunia was the most prevalent symptom (49.2%), followed by UI (44.2%) and constipation (21.7%). Higher degree of bother was reported for UI, AI, and chronic pelvic pain, respectively. Constipation (P < .001) and anxiety (P = .004) were associated with occurrence of PFD, increasing the chances of PFD by 4 and 2 times, respectively. The high occurrence, co-occurrence, and bother of PFD in young women suggest impairments in pelvic floor muscle functions that should be investigated by physical therapists. Educational programs including preventive strategies and the role of physical therapists in the treatment of PFD should be provided from early ages.