Pelvic floor muscle training in older women with mild pelvic organ prolapse

A randomized controlled trial evaluates whether pelvic floor muscle training provides clinically significant benefits for older women with mild prolapse.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition characterised by descent of the anterior or posterior vaginal wall, the uterus, or the vaginal vault (after hysterectomy). In a Dutch community survey, 75% of women aged 45-85 years had some degree of prolapse. As women with mild prolapse often experience mild symptoms, surgery is generally not an option. However, evidence suggests that women with symptomatic mild prolapse might benefit from pelvic floor muscle training. To find out if this is the case, the researchers carried out a randomised control trial, comparing the effects of pelvic floor muscle training and watchful waiting on pelvic floor symptoms in a primary care population of women aged 55 years and over with symptomatic mild pelvic organ prolapse. They conclude that although patients felt symptoms had improved, the overall level of improvement didn't reach clinical significance - they will continue their trial to determine if worsening of symptoms in prevented by the muscle training.