Outcome measures
In the present study we aimed to examine the effects of PFMT on rates of POP symptoms as well as bother from symptoms, as assessed by the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire17,18 (APFQ, Icelandic translation). The questionnaire had previously been rigorously translated and pre-tested,19 but not validated.
POP was evaluated by the questions “Do you have a sensation of tissue protrusion or a lump or bulging in your vagina?“ and “Do you experience vaginal pressure or heaviness or a dragging sensation?“ Women were considered to have no sympoms if the they answered „never“ to both questions. Answers of „occasionally“, „frequently“ and „daily“ were considered signs of POP. Bother is a concept used in the APFQ and can in general be defined as trouble, nuisance, worry or something annoying. Bother was considered absent when the answer to the question „How much does your prolapse problem bother you?“ was “not at all“. Answers of “slightly, moderately and greatly“ were considered as bother. According to this approach, data were analyzed as categorical, 0 = no symptoms or no bother and 1 = signs of symptoms and/or of bother.