Abstract
Objective To investigate the prevalence of vaginal flatus (VF) in women
with pelvic floor disorders and its impact on quality of life. Design A
cross-sectional study. Setting A tertiary medical center. Population
Women visited a urogynecologic clinic in 2019. Methods Patients were
asked about their experience of VF. Other evaluations included
urodynamics, genital prolapse stage, and valid questionnaires, including
the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual
Questionnaire (PISQ-12), Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), and
Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7). Clinical characteristics,
urodynamic parameters, stage of prolapse, and quality of life scores
were compared between women with and without VF. Main Outcome Measures:
The impact of VF on quality of life. Results: Among 341 women, 118
(35%) reported VF, which was more common in those who were younger
(49.3±9.2 vs. 59.9±13.4 yr, p<0.001) and more sexually active
(98% vs. 55%, p<0.001) women. Women with VF had
significantly worse sexual function (PISQ-12, 16.3±15.9 vs. 30.9±8.0,
p<0.001), and incontinence-related quality of life (UDI-6,
23.4±10.5 vs. 17.8±8.9, p=0.039; IIQ-7, 25.5±14.5 vs. 17.2±12.5,
p=0.012). For frequency and bother, 46% (48/116) of the women reported
often or always having symptoms during sexual activity, 15% (5/34) when
performing daily activities, and 12% (4/31) when exercising; and 60%
(70/116) felt least moderate bothersome during sexual activity compared
to 5% (2/34) when performing daily activities and 18% (6/31) when
exercising. Conclusions: VF is prevalent in younger and sexually active
urogynecologic patients. It has a significantly negative impact on
sexual function. Routine counseling should be considered for these
patients.