The relationship between uterine leiomyomata and pelvic floor symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
To compare pelvic floor symptoms in women with a leiomyomatous uterus ≤12 weeks and those >12 weeks in size and to evaluate the resolution of these symptoms after surgical intervention.


METHODS
The PFDI-20, PFIQ-7 and 3-day voiding diaries were administered prospectively to all subjects. Demographics and questionnaire responses were compared using a t test, Chi-squared test or Mann-Whitney U test as indicated.


RESULTS
One hundred and forty-five women completed the questionnaires and were included for analysis. There were 58 women with uterine size ≤12 weeks (group I) and 87 women with size >12 weeks (group II). Participants in group I reported more straining to defecate (p = 0.042), while group II reported increased feeling of incomplete bladder emptying (p = 0.007) and difficulty emptying their bladder (p = 0.008). Review of ultrasound images revealed no difference in pelvic floor symptoms when stratified by leiomyoma location. At 1-year follow-up, 69 women (48 %) responded, and 40 (58 %) had undergone surgical intervention. Surgery was shown to improve symptoms for all questions reviewed at 1-year follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
A leiomyomatous uterus >12 weeks is associated with the symptom of incomplete bladder emptying, but does not appear to have an effect on other pelvic floor symptoms compared with women with a smaller leiomyomatous uterus. Surgical intervention for leiomyomata improves pelvic floor symptoms.
Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1200 N State St IRD 510, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA, cedancz@gmail.com.
Christina E
CE
Dancz
Priyanka
P
Kadam
Carrie
C
Li
Kristen
K
Nagata
Begüm
B
Özel
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery