Influence of Toileting Behaviour on Anterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse Natural Course

Abstract Background: Many risk factors have been proposed for POP, and the cause seems most plausible to be multifactorial. This study aimed to investigate the effect of toileting behaviors on the anterior vaginal wall prolapse (AVWP) natural course.Methods: The data of 75 women who had been operated for symptomatic AVWP were recorded. The patients with grade ³II AVWP were included in this study, and they were divided into two groups according to voiding and defecation position. The volunteers who were voiding in the sitting position defined as Group 1, and Group 2 included the volunteers who were voiding in squatting position. The Colo-Rectal-Anal Impact Questionnaire (CRAIQ), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ), Pelvic Organ Prolapse Impact Questionnaire (POPIQ), Urinary Impact Questionnaire (UIQ) and visual analog pain scores were used for evaluation of patients’ symptoms. Results: 44 patients enrolled in group 1 (sitting position) and 31 patients enrolled in group 2 (squatting position). BMI, number of parity, menopause duration, topical estrogen using, comorbidities, presence of constipation and urinary incontinence, and ped count for incontinence were similar in both groups. The time from initial symptoms to surgery was demonstrated shorter in group 2, 12 (3-73) and 24 (2-182) months, respectively (p=0.001). The PFIQ and POPIQ scores and the POP-related VAS score were statistically higher in patients who were voiding and defecating in squatting positions. Conclusion: Questioning the toileting position of patients with AVWP may be effective on the treatment option of the patient and may be beneficial on symptom control.