Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs), which occur when women’s pelvic floor muscles are weakened or injured, significantly affect quality of life and require surgery for hundreds of thousands in the U.S. each year. Now a study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers has found a noninvasive test that could identify women at risk for these conditions and improve treatment.
The study, published in Aging Medicine, discovered that proteins associated with cellular senescence, or cell aging, can be measured in vaginal secretions using a swab test. The research also found that these proteins were elevated in postmenopausal women with prolapse, which confirms the role of cellular aging in the formation of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
Pelvic floor disorders, including POP and both urinary and fecal incontinence, affect nearly 24% of women in the U.S., according to the National Institutes of Health. The number of PFD patients who require surgery is expected to increase 47% in the next several decades. Although not life-threatening, PFDs can have a serious effect on patients’ lives.
POP occurs when support for pelvic organs such as the bladder and uterus weakens, causing these organs to drop from their normal positions. In advanced stages of POP, the organs can bulge into the vagina, causing issues with urination, numbness or discomfort during sex, and a lump protruding from the vagina. The discomfort and psychological distress from POP cause many patients to isolate.
Despite impacts on quality of life and increasing health care burdens, progression and prevention of POP are not fully understood. Outcomes are further complicated by high failure rates among surgeries for the disorder.
By identifying pelvic floor disorders earlier and tracking their progression, doctors can prescribe preventive measures such as weight loss, a high-fiber diet, pelvic floor exercises, and smoking cessation. Long-term tracking also will allow better understanding and improve treatment.
This research included patients at UT Southwestern and Parkland Health. Other UTSW Obstetrics and Gynecology researchers who contributed to the study are Haolin Shi, M.S., and Patrick Keller, M.S.
This study was partially funded by the Dedman Family Endowed Program for Scholars in Clinical Care as well as the American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Foundation and Burroughs Wellcome Fund Physician-Scientist Career Development Award to Promote Diversity.
Dr. Florian-Rodriguez’s financial interest disclosures can be found in the manuscript.
(Newswise/IB)
