01-04-2011 | Original Article
Short-term natural history in women with symptoms indicative of pelvic organ prolapse
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 4/2011
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Introduction and hypothesis
Information about the natural history of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is scarce.
Methods
This was a prospective cohort study of 160 women (mean age 56 years), whose answers in a population-based survey investigation indicated presence of symptomatic prolapse (siPOP), and 120 women without siPOP (mean age 51 years).
Results
Follow-up questionnaire was completed by 87%, and 67% underwent re-examination according to pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system after 5 years. Among re-examining siPOP women, 47% had an unchanged POP-Q stage, 40% showed regression, and 13% showed progression. The key symptom “feeling of a vaginal bulge” remained unchanged in 30% of women with siPOP, 64% improved by at least one step on our four-step rating scale, and 6% deteriorated. Among control women, siPOP developed in 2%. No statistically significant relationship emerged between changes in anatomic status and changes in investigated symptoms.
Conclusion
Only a small proportion of women with symptomatic POP get worse within 5 years.