IDENTIFICATION OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLE STRENGTH IN WOMEN

Abstract

Providing dynamic support to the pelvic organs by adjusting their tension against changing conditions, the pelvic floor muscles lose their strength over time and their supporting functions decline as a result of the effects of certain mechanical, hormonal and neural factors. This study aims to determine the factors affecting pelvic floor muscle strength by measuring the pelvic floor muscle strength of the non-pregnant women who consulted the Karabuk University Training and Research Hospital Gynecology Outpatient Clinic for any reason. This study involved a screening method. Stratified sampling was used as the sampling method. 516 women aged 20-77 participated in the study. The data were collected between 01 June 2017-2018 and the chi-squared test was used in the analysis. In the study, pelvic floor muscle strength was found to be 11.6±5.9 cmH2O on average. Statistically significant results were found between the pelvic floor muscle strength in women and their data of body mass index, age, educational status, place of residence, employment status, age of first pregnancy, delivery method, menopausal condition and contraceptive method. As a result, it can be said that healthcare professionals should be informed about the risk factors adversely affecting pelvic floor muscle strength and their participation in exercise programs on this matter should be encouraged. Women should also be provided with information and training on pelvic floor muscle strength.