Correlates of vaginal laxity symptoms in women attending a urogynecology clinic in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of vaginal laxity (VL) and its correlates in a cohort of women attending a urogynecology clinic in a tertiary referral center in Saudi Arabia. Methods In this retrospective study, demographic information, clinical characteristics, and POP‐Q system measurements for women attending the King Fahad Medical City Urogynecology Clinic (January 2013 to April 2015) were analyzed. Women with and without VL were compared across these variables. Results Out of 376 women attending the clinic for various reasons, 135 (35.9%) reported VL. VL was more common in younger women (P<0.001). Parity, menopausal status, and diabetes were not associated with this symptom. A history of cesarean delivery was protective (aOR 0.39; 95% CI, 0.17–0.90). A bulge symptom and “vaginal wind” were predictors (aOR 3.25; 95% CI, 1.46–7.23 and aOR 15.48; 95% CI, 6.93–34.56, respectively). There was no correlation between VL and POP‐Q measurements. VL was not associated with the presence of clinically significant prolapse (stage 2–4), compared with nonsignificant prolapse (stage 0–1) (P=0.869, P=0.152, and P=0.783 for anterior, posterior, and central vaginal compartment, respectively). Conclusions In this cohort, VL was common, more prevalent in younger women, and had poorly defined clinical correlates.

Vaginal Laxity: Prevalence, Risk Factors, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches

“…Moreover, in a study conducted on plastic surgery patients, one in six females reported VL and the authors deduced that vaginal deliveries resulted in the development of VL, and VL subsequently predisposed the studied women to the development of sexual distress [49]. Regarding the prevalence of VL, in a local study conducted at a tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of VL among women attending the urogynecology clinics accounted for 35.9%, which is in line with a study conducted in the UK where the VL prevalence was 38% [8,11]. Standardized definitions and associations between VL, POP and sexual function need to be further studied.…”

“…No correlation was detected between VL and POP-Q measurements. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the VL prevalence between participating women belonging to the clinically significant POP (stage 2-4) and non-significant POP (stage 0-1) groups [11].…”

“…The literature deduces VL as a somatic dysfunction, rather than a psychogenic condition, that is associated with younger women, vaginal parity, and symptoms of prolapse [1,8,11]. A retrospective observational study involving 324 women reported a 24% prevalence of VL.…”

Prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction: a Saudi national survey

“…VL is a feeling of excessive vaginal looseness and affects satisfaction during sexual intercourse. A hospital-based study in Saudi Arabia with a much smaller sample reported VL and POP at 35.9% and 45.5%, respectively [ 22 ]. As expected the rate is lower in a community-based study.…”

Gaz vaginaux : revue de la littérature

“…Une hyperlaxité vaginale peut être la cause d'une facile pénétration d'air dans la cavité vaginale avec son expulsion lors d'efforts (hyperpression abdominale) ou lors de l'intromission qui va alors mécaniquement chasser l'air de la cavité. L'hyperlaxité vaginale est hautement corrélée à la présence de GV (20). L'hyperlaxité vaginale rapportée par 38% des femmes sur une étude de 2621 patientes consultant en uro-gynécologie (21), est probablement multifactorielle avec des facteurs constitutionnels génétiques, des désinsertions musculaires obstétricales ou les GV sont décrits (22), des atteintes musculaires pelvi-périnéales secondaires à des neuropathies pudendales d'étirement survenant pendant la grossesse ou l'accouchement.…”