Vaginal laxity: a poorly understood quality of life problem; a survey of physician members of the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA).
OBJECTIVE
Our goal was to assess how physician members of the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) perceive and manage vaginal laxity.


METHODS
An Internet-based survey was circulated targeting physician members of IUGA that consisted of 27 questions and was designed to query attitudes and practices with respect to vaginal laxity.


RESULTS
Five hundred and sixty-three of the 2,235 surveys were completed (25% response rate). Most respondents (65% male and 35 % female) listed urogynecology as their specialty. The geographical distribution was Europe (39%), North America (23%), Asia (15%), South America (14%), Australia (6%), and Africa (3%). Eighty-three percent described laxity as underreported by their patients. The majority considered laxity a bothersome condition to patients that impacts relationship happiness and sexual function. The introitus was listed most often as being responsible for these symptoms. Whereas only 54% offered surgical treatment, surgery was cited as more effective than Kegel exercises or physical therapy. North Americans were more likely to prefer and perform surgical treatment for this problem.


CONCLUSIONS
Vaginal laxity is common and may impact sexual function and quality of life. Expanding our knowledge regarding pathophysiology and treatment would be of benefit to these patients.
Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA, Rachel_Pauls@trihealth.com.
Rachel N
RN
Pauls
Angela N
AN
Fellner
G Willy
GW
Davila
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007390:International Agencies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011788:Quality of Life; D012955:Societies, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014621:Vagina / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery