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. 2010 May;202(5):499.e1-4.
doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.01.019. Epub 2010 Feb 20.

Impact of pessary use on prolapse symptoms, quality of life, and body image

Minita Patel  1 , Colleen Mellen, David M O'Sullivan, Christine A LaSala
Affiliations

Impact of pessary use on prolapse symptoms, quality of life, and body image

Minita Patel et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010 May.

Abstract

Objective: We sought to evaluate whether use of a vaginal pessary would change body image, bother symptoms, and quality of life in women with pelvic organ prolapse.

Study design: Women presenting for pessary insertion completed the short forms of Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, and Body Image Scale. After successful pessary insertion and use for at least 3 months, subjects completed the surveys again. Scores were compared with a paired t test.

Results: A total of 75 subjects were enrolled and follow-up responses were available for 54 subjects for analysis. Body Image Scale scores showed a significant decrease (6.1-3.4; P<.001), indicating an improvement in these women's perception of themselves, as did Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 scores (81.34-45.83; P<.001) and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire scores (50.32-17.98; P=.003).

Conclusion: The use of a pessary for 3 months reduces bother symptoms and improves both quality of life and perception of body image in women.

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