Is there a relationship between genital hiatus distance and the presence of pelvic organ prolapse?

Abstract

Objectives: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is an important disease affecting the quality of life of women. We aimed to investigate the relationship of genital hiatus (GH) and anogenital distance (AGD) measurements with POP in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.

Material and methods: 1696 Patients who underwent urodynamic investigations in our clinics were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic data, physical examination data and urodynamic investigation results of all patients were evaluated. Those beyond POPQ stage 2 and above were considered to have pelvic organ prolapse.

Results: The mean age was 49.44 ± 0.27 years, and the mean body-mass index was 30.08 ± 0.16 kg/m². While 682 patients (40.2%) were considered as having no POP, 1014 patients (59.8%) were considered as having POP. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of POP status respect of the parity, mean GH and AGD, and hysterectomy rate (p < 0.05). Mean GH, PB and AGD were significantly different among POP stage groups. (p < 0.05). In the correlation analysis, there was a positive correlation between POP stage parity (p = 0.0003, r = 0.059), GH (p < 0.0001, r = 0.353) and AGD (p < 0.0001, r = 0.299). The logistic regression revealed that genital hiatus distance and hysterectomy were statistically significant factors associated with POP. In ROC analysis, when the GH distance measurement is > 2.5 cm, the probability of POP status was found with sensitivity of 77.4% and specificity of 53.2% (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: GH measurement can be marker for POP in a population of women being evaluated for urinary incontinence. GH measurement > 2.5 cm may associated with POP status.