PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTIONS: CLINICAL AND SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF UROGYNECOLOGIC OUTPATIENTS

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the socio-demographic and clinical profile of urogynecologic outpatients of a public tertiary hospital in Fortaleza, Ceará. This is a cross-sectional study whose sample consisted of 85 women with pelvic floor dysfunction. The age ranged from 27 to 86 years old (mean: 53.8±14.2). Most patients were married (54.9%), weren’t working formally (40.0%) and didn’t smoke (82.4%). Approximately half was in postmenopausal period (48.2%). Most of them were multiparous (89.4%) by vaginal delivery (92.9%). The main complaint reported was urinary incontinence (74.1%), and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) was the most frequent (60.0%). Over half of the patients also had pelvic organ prolapse (75.3%), and the most common defect was from the anterior vaginal wall (55.3%). The majority (57.6%) had some form of anorectal dysfunction: constipation (40%), tenesmus (37.6%), fecal incontinence (16.5%). Most of the patients lost urine several times a day (57.3%), with impact on quality of life. The risk factors found are in agreement with literature data, as well as the prevalence of MUI. Given the concomitant disorders, it’s important to address all pathologies, because they are prevalent conditions with medical, social, psychological and economic implications.

Keywords

• socioeconomic factors
• pelvic floor disorders
• urinary incontinence.