Knowledge of pelvic floor disorders in young women: a cross-sectional study

• Published in: Fisioterapia em movimento 2022, Vol.35 (spe)
• Main Authors: Prudencio, Caroline Baldini, Nava, Guilherme Thomaz de Aquino, Souza, Bruna Rosa de, Carr, Aline Medolago, Avramidis, Raissa Escandiusi, Barbosa, Angélica Mércia Pascon
• Format: Article
• Language: eng ; por
• Subjects: ORTHOPEDICS; REHABILITATION
• ISSN: 1980-5918; 1980-5918
• DOI: 10.1590/fm.2022.35607

Abstract Introduction: Young women’s knowledge about pelvic floor function and dysfunction are poor. Objective: To identify the level of knowledge of young women about pelvic floor muscles (PFM) anatomy and function, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction (PFMD), pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and sexual dysfunction (SD). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Two hundred forty-two (242) young women from first to the third year of high school from ten public schools, in geographically disparate areas of a Brazilian county serving economic minority student populations, participated in the study. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). The categorical data were expressed as absolute and relative frequency. Results: Only 28% of the young women knew PFM, and 26% answered to be able to contract these muscles. The prevalence of urinary incontinence was 16%, while 5% reported fecal incontinence. The previous knowledge about POP was similar between bladder and uterus prolapse, 34% and 40%, respectively. SD was known by 48% of the young women. Seventy-seven young women (31.8%) declared to have had sexual intercourse. Ten percent declared difficulties to allow vaginal penetration, and 48% of those who were able to have penetration declared that they experienced pain and discomfort. Conclusion: Young women have little knowledge about the PFM anatomy and function, PFMD, POP, and SD. In addition, they have complaints related to sexual practice, such as difficulty during vaginal penetration and pain. Resumo Introdução: O conhecimento de mulheres jovens sobre a função e disfunção do assoalho pélvico é insuficiente. Objetivo: Identificar o nível de conhecimento de mulheres jovens sobre a anatomia e função dos músculos do assoalho pélvico (MAP), disfunção dos músculos do assoalho pélvico (DMAP), prolapso de órgãos pélvicos (POP) e disfunção sexual (DS). Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal. Participaram dos estudo 242 mulheres jovens do primeiro ao terceiro ano do ensino médio de dez escolas públicas, em áreas geograficamente díspares de um município brasileiro que atende a populações de estudantes de minorias econômicas. A análise dos dados foi realizada usando SPSS 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Os dados categóricos foram expressos em frequência absoluta e relativa. Resultados: Apenas 28% das mulheres jovens conheciam os MAP e 26% responderam ser capazes de contrair esses músculos. A prevalência de incontinência urinária foi de 16%, enquanto