Pelvic Floor Disorders among Gynecological Cancer Survivors in Sub-urban Regions of Kanchipuram District–India

Abstract

Background: Pelvic floor muscle is the group of muscles: layering down the pelvic region; Controlling the bowel movements, urination, and sexual intercourse; working in a balanced and coordinated contraction and relaxation. The inability to control the pelvic floor muscles leads to pelvic floor disorders like urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence, dyspareunia, and pelvic pain. Objective: The aim of this study is to find the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders among gynaecological cancer survivors in sub-urban regions of Kanchipuram district, India. Materials and Methods: This study employs a nonexperimental study design. The procedure is well explained and informed consent is obtained from the gynaecological cancer survivors based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Gynecological cancer survivors who are not under any treatments for the last 1 year has been considered for this study. There were two sets of questionnaires in which one depicts vulvar pain function (Vulvar Pain Functional Questionnaire) and the other relates to pelvic floor symptom botheration (Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire). The individual has given enough time to fill the questionnaire. Patients seem necessary are further referred to the outpatient physiotherapy department. Results: A moderate amount of Pelvic pain was reported to be felt by at least 64.6% of survivors. Added to it, a moderate level of bothersome was found to be reported by at least 56.2 % of survivors. Conclusion: Findings conclude that there is a higher prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction among gynecological cancer survivors.