Abstract
Objective: To examine how the pandemic affected women with pelvic
dysfunction. Design: A Survey Monkey™ questionnaire on how the pandemic
and Covid-19 infection affected women’s pelvic problems, exercise, and
weight. A free text box captured their comments. Setting: Online
questionnaire worldwide. Sample: Six hundred and forty-seven women.
Results: Bladder control 265 (41%), prolapse 240 (37%), pelvic pain 40
(6%), sexual dysfunction 27 (4%), faecal incontinence 19 (3%) and
other 56 (9%) were respondents’ main pelvic problems. Symptoms were
unchanged for 331 (51%), worse for 243 (38%), and improved for 60
(10%). Weight was gained by 290 (45%), unchanged by 243 (38%), and
lost by 114 (17%). Exercise levels were unchanged, worse, or better in
33%. Difficulty accessing medical appointments and date for surgery
were experienced by 235 (36.5%) and 38 (6%) women respectively.
Sixty-six (10.3%) women reported covid-19 infection: the distribution
of pelvic problems and changes through the pandemic, weight and exercise
patterns, and difficulty either getting a date for surgery or accessing
healthcare were similar to those not contracting infection. Sexual
dysfunction was the main new or worsening problem, featuring 13 women
(18%). Seventy women - 16 recently delivered, and 54 with a
pre-existing pelvic problem commented. Five core themes were identified.
Difficulty accessing healthcare review, mental health impact and
physiotherapy services especially affected delivered women, while
lifestyle alterations and conservative treatment tools were more
prominent in women with a pre-existing problem. Conclusions: The
pandemic left many women with pelvic dysfunction without services, and
this survey captures their suffering.