Lower abdominal and pelvic pain with advanced pelvic organ prolapse: a case-control study

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Jun;204(6):537.e1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2011.01.015. Epub 2011 Feb 23.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the relative frequencies of pain in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Study design: This was an ancillary analysis of a case-control study investigating functional bowel disorders in women with and without POP. Cases were defined as subjects with stage 3 or 4 POP and controls were subjects with normal pelvic support.

Results: Women with POP were more likely to experience lower abdominal or pelvic pain that was significantly bothersome and interfered with daily activities (odds ratio [OR], 9.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.7-20.4). After controlling for confounders, women with prolapse were more likely to report pressure in the lower abdomen (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.6-3.2), heaviness in the pelvic region (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 2.3-4.3), and pain in the lower abdomen (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.8-4.1).

Conclusion: Women with prolapse are more likely to report pain, pressure, or heaviness in the lower abdomen or pelvis compared with women with normal support.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / epidemiology
  • Abdominal Pain / etiology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse / complications*
  • Pelvic Pain / epidemiology
  • Pelvic Pain / etiology*