Urogynecological problems and their influence on quality of life of climacteric women

Objectives: To check the prevalence of urogynaecological problems and their influence on quality of life of climacteric women. Design: Analysis of questionnaire data.
Material and methods: In total, 136 questionnaires were analyzed in two groups of climacteric women (below and over 50 years of age). The POP-Q scale and vaginal pH were determined in each patient admitted to the hospital. The percentages of urogynaecological problems (vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, itching, soreness, vulvar irritations, painful sex, discomfort with intercourse, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse) were calculated in each group of investigated women. POP-Q scale in each subject was analyzed in relation to vaginal pH value. Statistical analysis of the obtained results was also performed using c2, Pearson’s and Student’s t-tests.
Results: The most common urogynaecological problems that negatively influenced the quality of sexual life among investigated women were: vaginal dryness (33.3%), itching (31.6%) and dyspareunia (22.8%). In the older patient group the percentage of sexually active women was lower than in the group of patients younger than 50 years of age (29.9 vs. 50.8; p<0.02). There was a strong correlation between pelvic organ prolapse and different forms of urinary incontinence (p<0.02). A positive relationship between vaginal pH and POP-Q stage was also determined (p<0.01).
Conclusions: This knowledge may assist in understanding changes caused by biological versus reproductive senescence with a potential for improved and preventive therapeutic interventions in the climacteric patient population.