Role of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises in the Prevention of Stress Urinary Incontinence during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period

WOS: 000314256000006PubMed ID: 23108378Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the role of pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME) in the prevention of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Methods: A total of 102 women was included in the study. Data, collected through forms, included characteristics of the women, follow-up data during the pregnancy and postpartum period and a three-day urinary diary. Both groups were evaluated in terms of SUI at the 14th-20th, 28th and 32nd weeks of gestation and at 12 weeks postpartum. Results: As shown by the pad test, SUI developed in 5.8, 17.3 and 1.9% of the subjects in the intervention group at the 28th and 32nd gestational week and the 12th postpartum week, respectively. The relevant ratios in the control group were 30,48 and 18%, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found between the intervention and control groups in terms of SUI development at the 28th and 32nd weeks of gestation and the 12th postpartum week (p < 0.05). Conclusion: PFME are effective for prevention of SUI development during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Health care providers are therefore recommended to provide education and counseling to pregnant women about SUI prevention. Copyright (c) 2012 S. Karger AG, Base

An Example from the Rural Areas of Turkey: Women Breast Cancer Risk Levels and Application and Knowledge Regarding Early Diagnosis-Scan of Breast Cancer

Objective: This research has been conducted for the purpose of determining the cancer risk levels of women living in a small village of in Saraycik village of Ankara and their knowledge and application of breast cancer early diagnose-scan methods. Materials and Methods: 317 women were taken as examples for the study. Data were collected by giving survey forms to women and conducting face-to-face interviews. In determining breast cancer risk, ''the form to determine the breast cancer risk'' has been used. For breast cancer informational questions, one point has been given for each correct answer. In evaluating the data, number, percentage calculations, average and standard deviation, Mann-Whitney U (MU), Kruskal-Wallis (KW), One-way analysis of variance (F) independent sample T (t) tests have been used. Results: It has been found that breast cancer risk is low, the knowledge level about cancer early recognition methods are medium among the women. It has been determined that 74.4% women didn't perform breast self-examination. 89.6% of women don't have mammography taken and 88.6% don't have their breast examined by health personnel. Conclusion: In our study, it has been found that the risk levels of women are low, their knowledge about early diagnosis and cure are at a medium level and their use of these methods are inadequate. For this reason, we suggest that responsibility of healthcare professionals have to be increased in determining breast cancer risk among women and education and advisory services for this subject to be offered

Sacral Region Massage as an Alternative to the Urinary Catheter Used to Prevent Urinary Retention After Cesarean Delivery

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of massage to the sacral region after cesarean delivery instead of employing a urinary catheter for the prevention of urinary retention. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Material and Methods: This interventional study population consisted of 60 women who were divided into two intervention groups and one control group. For the first intervention group, the sacral region was massaged every hour 10-15 minutes after cesarean delivery and every 30 minutes after a voiding sensation for the second intervention group. No interventions were made in the control group, although routine hospital services were provided. Socio-demographic data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the researchers. Other data were collected via observation. Results: Fifteen percent (15%) of the women in the first intervention group needed to void 2 hours after cesarean delivery, 35% after 3 hours, and the mean time to void after delivery was 3.4 +/- 0.8 hours. Forty percent (40%) of the women in the second intervention group needed to void after 5 hours, and the mean time to void after delivery was 5.5 +/- 0.8 hours. Sixty percent (60%) of the women in the control group needed to void 6 hours later, and the mean time to void after delivery was 6.2 +/- 0.7 hours. Urinary retention was not observed in the first intervention group. Our statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the three groups in terms of mean times to void after cesarean delivery (p<0.05). Conclusion: In order to facilitate voiding and to prevent urinary retention, which is seen as a post-cesarean complication, massaging the sacral region could be recommended instead of urinary catheter insertion. Additional studies with larger groups are also recommended.WoSScopu