Objective: This study was undertaken to determine whether there is an association among pelvic organ prolapse, constipation, and dietary fiber intake.
Study design: Sixty consecutive women with prolapse were compared with 30 control women without prolapse. All women completed 2 validated questionnaires to assess constipation and dietary fiber intake. Multivariate analysis was performed.
Results: The risk for constipation was greater in women with prolapse than controls (odds ratio 4.03, 95% CI 1.5-11.4). Median insoluble fiber intake was significantly lower in women with prolapse (2.4 g) than controls (5.8 g, P < .01). The increased risk for constipation was reduced but remained significant after controlling for age and insoluble dietary fiber intake (odds ratio 2.9, 95% CI 1.1-13.5).
Conclusion: Women with pelvic organ prolapse are at a higher risk for constipation than controls. This increased risk for constipation is partially explained by lower intake of dietary insoluble fiber by women with prolapse than controls.