Longitudinal Study of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (ProLong20+)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Longitudinal study of pelvic floor dysfunction, and its relationship with childbirth (ProLong20+).
IRAS ID
246411
Contact name
Suzanne Hagen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Glasgow Caledonian University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The long-term consequences of childbirth on urinary incontinence (UI), faecal incontinence (FI), pelvic organ prolapse and sexual dysfunction, known collectively as pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), are poorly understood. PFD affects many women, causing distress and impaired quality-of-life. In 1993-94 ~8,000 women living in Aberdeen (Scotland), Birmingham (England) and Dunedin (New Zealand) took part in the ProLong study, three months after giving birth. They completed a short incontinence questionnaire at that time which revealed that 33% had UI and 8% had FI. Further questionnaires were completed at 6 years when 45%/10% of the women had UI/FI, and at 12 years when 53%/13% had UI/FI. Prolapse was measured at 12 years and found in 24% of the women.
The current study will contact the UK-based ProLong study participants again. Many of the women will be now be around the age of the menopause when PFD is thought to be even more common. The women will be asked to take part in a postal questionnaire. An invitation will also be extended for the women to attend a pelvic floor examination. Questionnaire and pelvic floor examination results will be analysed together with NHS medical records (where participants have given their permission). This information will be combined with results from a similar study involving the women based in New Zealand in 2014 to report how common PFD is and how it relates to childbirth and other risk factors, particularly the menopause. The proposed research constitutes the longest ever prospective follow-up of post-natal PFD worldwide.
Findings will help inform estimates of future need for treatment and research, and ultimately improve women’s health during and after pregnancy.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
18/SS/0095
Date of REC Opinion
3 Aug 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion