Screening function of the pelvic floor muscles and prevalence of dysmenorrhea in women

Abstract

Summary: The aim of this screening prevalence study was to evaluate pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function and the prevalence of dysmenorrhea in a population of parturient and non-parturient women. The PFM function was evaluated for its endurance, speed component, and ability to relax. This study also included evaluation of women‘s experience with PFM exercises, and the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and endometriosis. A total of 362 women were included in the study population, of which 297 (82%) were parturients and 65 women (18%) were non-parturients. The mean age of the study population was 37.4 ± 9.8 years. Measurements and data collection were performed at the workplaces of the non-state medical facility REHASPRING centre in Prague. The protocol of the gynaecological-urological concept of Palascak Pelvic Approach (PPA) for women was used to obtain the research data. The PERFECT-SM-R scale was used to evaluate the PFM function. PFM function values were recorded by per vaginam examination and biofeedback of PFM function using 2D ultrasound. According to the results of the data analysis, only 53% of the women studied in the supine position and 60% of the women in the standing position achieved the norm of the PFM endurance contraction function. For velocity contractions, 55% of the women in the supine position and 59% of the women in the standing position met the established norm. Dysmenorrhoea, a common symptom of endometriosis, is present in almost half of the women (48%), mostly in non-parents (74%). More than half of the women (53%) in our study group were unaware of the symptoms and the consequences of endometriosis. Only less than 20% of the women reported experience of PFM exercises.