Relationship between the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system and vaginal noise: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionVaginal noise (VN) has recently received attention as an important factor in women's sexual life and satisfaction. It can be influenced by various factors such as genetics, childbirth, age, menopause, and many other factors that are yet to be discovered. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system and vaginal sounds and to find out the correlation between VN and sexual function.MethodsThe correlation between POP-Q measurements and VN and its impact on female sexual life was investigated in 851 women referred to the female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery clinic.ResultsVN was reported in 26.3% of the patients. It was significantly higher in younger cases and premenopause. VN had no significant association with cigarettes, BMI, gravidity, or abortion. Feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area, dyspareunia, anorgasmia, and partners sexual dissatisfaction were significantly higher in cases with VN. No significant relationship was found between VN and reduction in sexual desire and vaginal dryness. Patients with higher-stage anterior vaginal wall prolapse had significantly fewer complaints of VN. Stage 3 anterior vaginal wall prolapse had a lower chance of vaginal noise, OR = 0.2. Mean Aa and Ba were significantly higher in cases without VN.ConclusionIn this study, we found a significant relationship between VN and anterior vaginal wall prolapse in a way that Stage 3 had a lesser chance of VN. No relation was found in the posterior or apical vaginal prolapse.