Pelvic floor awareness in women with fibromyalgia: A controlled cross-sectional study

Objective: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a painful syndrome of the musculoskeletal system with associating somatic symptoms which may include PF dysfunction (PFD). We aimed to investigate the patients' awareness of pelvic floor (PF), the frequency, impact and severity of PFD in FMS and to investigate the effect of psychological state on PFD.Methods: Women with FMS and healthy controls enrolled to the study. Demographic data, urinary symptoms and questions regarding PF awareness asked. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Beck Depression Questionnaire and Beck Anxiety Questionnaire were filled. SPSS 26 used for statistical analysis.Results: A total of 48 FMS and 48 healthy controls, with a mean age of 44 years were enrolled. The rate of UI in FMS group was significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.001). The frequency of urinary incontinence (UI) was found 60% in FMS patients, and 25% in the control group. UI duration was significantly longer in the FMS group (p = 0.013). There was a relation between the duration of UI and anxiety scores. As the duration of UI increases, the anxiety score also increases significantly (r = 0.318; p = 0.043). The majority of the subjects, 25 (86.2%) patients from the FMS group and 11 (91.7%) patients from the control group, have not consulted any physician about UI complaints, therefore did not receive any treatment.Conclusion: PF awareness is quite low in the general population and in FMS. Studies should be carried out to inform the society about PFD and increase their awareness of the PF, and social responsibility projects should be prepared.