Prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse and related factors in a general female population

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and the related factors of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in a female population to whom health care services are offered. Materials and Methods: 1354 of the 3000 women admitted to the outpatient clinic between June 2008 and December 2008 were enrolled as they accepted to participate to the study. 34 of these patients with a history of previous hysterectomy and/or any kind of pelvic reconstructive surgery were excluded. Baseline characteristics, as well as medical and obstetric history of the patients were recorded. All women underwent vaginal examination to determine the degree of prolapse by pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ) system. POP-Q stages >= 2 were defined as prolapse. Women with and without prolapse were compared. Regression analysis was used in order to determine the independent predictors. Results: Prolapse (stage >= 2) was detected in 358 patients (27.1%). Patients with prolapse were found to be significantly older and heavier. They had a higher waist to hip ratio and had a higher parity. Compared to women without prolapse, cesarean rate was significantly lower in women with prolapse (10.6% vs. 20.8%; p<0.001), and the mean birth weight of the babies of the women with prolapse was significantly higher (3584 +/- 574 vs. 3490 +/- 389 g, p=0.004). Prevalence of prolapse was found to be decreased as the level of education increased. Waist to hip ratio (OR: 46.2, CI: 3.3-655, p=0.005), parity (OR: 1.5, CI: 1.3-1.7, p<0.001), vaginal delivery (OR: 1.5, CI: 0.3-0.8, p=0.005), and menopausal status (OR: 1.2, CI: 1.1-1.4, p=0.005) were found to be independent predictors of development of POP. Conclusion: In the present study, POP was found to be associated with waist to hip ratio, parity, vaginal delivery, and menopausal status.