For a study, researchers wanted to determine if increased intra-abdominal pressure produced by pelvic inflammation and frequent use of the Valsalva technique increases the risk of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in female ankylosing spondylitis patients (AS). A study included 39 patients diagnosed with AS using the modified New York criteria, 47 patients with chronic low-back pain (CLBP), and 38 healthy controls (HCs). All patients and HCs were subjected to complete physical and gynecological exams. A gynecologist rated pelvic organ prolapse blindly. It was determined whether a cystocele (CS), rectocele (RC), or uterine prolapse (UP) existed. The AS patients had substantially greater rates of CS, RC, and UD than the HCs (p = 0.001, 0.026, and 0002, respectively). The AS patients had substantially greater rates of CS (p = 0.042) and UD (p = 0.017) than the CLBP patients.
POP is more common in people with AS than in the general population. These individuals should be questioned about their POP symptoms and, if necessary, frequent gynecological checkups, as well as particular workouts, especially those targeting AS, should be advised.
Reference:journals.lww.com/jclinrheum/Abstract/2019/01000/A_New_Comorbidity_in_Female_Patients_With.7.aspx
