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International Urogynecology Journal

Published in:

01-10-2015

Pelvic floor muscle function in women with provoked vestibulodynia and asymptomatic controls

Authors: Ingrid Næss, Kari Bø

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 10/2015

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

The purpose of the present study was to assess vaginal resting pressure (VRP), pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and endurance, and surface EMG activity in women with and without provoked vestibulodynia (PVD).

Methods

This was an assessor-masked comparison study including 70 women. Exclusion criteria were any previous pregnancy and presence of candida. Sensitivity of the vulvar vestibule was rated at three sites with Q-tip pressure measurement and a numerical rating scale for pain. VRP and PFM strength and endurance were measured with a high precision pressure transducer connected to a vaginal balloon. Pelvic floor muscle activity was measured with surface EMG. The independent samples t test was used to analyze differences between groups. The p value was set to <0.05

Results

The mean age of the participants was 24.3 years (SD 4.7) and mean body mass index (BMI) was 22.0 kg/m² (SD 2.6). Q-tip pressure measurement was significantly lower and pain more severe in the PVD group at all sites of the vulvar vestibule. The PVD group had significantly higher VRP: 20.6 cmH₂O (SD 7.1) versus controls: 17.3 cmH₂O (SD 4.4), p = 0.02. The PVD group had significantly lower muscle activity during a 10-s holding period; PVD: 465.2 μV (SD 218.4), controls: 591.1 μV (SD 277.7), p = 0.04.

Conclusion

Young, nulliparous women with PVD had significantly higher VRP, but this finding was not confirmed by vaginal surface EMG.

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Title: Pelvic floor muscle function in women with provoked vestibulodynia and asymptomatic controls
Authors: Ingrid Næss
Kari Bø
Publication date: 01-10-2015
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 10/2015
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-015-2660-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Pelvic floor muscle function in women with provoked vestibulodynia and asymptomatic controls

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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