Post-treatment Lifestyle Habits and Treatment Responses to Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence Surgeries (LaVirE)

The LaVirE study investigates long-term treatment responses, postoperative pelvic floor symptoms, and lifestyle habits among women who have undergone surgery for urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. The study examines whether the original symptoms have been completely or partially relieved within 1–5 years after surgery, whether they have recurred, or whether new symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction have developed.

LaVirE is an observational questionnaire-based study. Its target population was identified through the clinical urogynecological register of the Wellbeing Services County of Central Finland. Women who had undergone relevant surgery at Hospital Nova and were 45–70 years old at the time of the operation were invited to participate. Register information was complemented with questionnaire data.

In addition to treatment response, the study assesses how current pelvic floor symptoms are associated with physical activity, eating behaviour, and mental well-being. LaVirE provides evidence on women’s health and everyday functioning following pelvic floor surgery from life-course and ageing perspectives. Its findings may strengthen the evidence base for long-term follow-up and support the development of practices that promote women’s functioning, well-being, and healthy ageing.

Funding
University of Jyväskylä (2023)

Research group
Principal Investigator
Eija Laakkonen, Associate Professor, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä

Mari Kuutti, Postdoctoral Researcher, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä
Minta Kärkkäinen, PhD Researcher, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä
Pauliina Aukee, Head of the Obstetric and Gynaecological Unit, Chief Physician, MD, PhD, Adjunct Professor, Wellbeing Services County of Central Finland, Hospital Nova

Collaborators
University of Jyväskylä, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences
Wellbeing Services County of Central Finland, Hospital Nova

Project website