Stress urinary incontinence Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
, , Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(5):511-518
, , The Burch procedure (1961) was considered the gold standard treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) before the midurethral slings (MUSs) were introduced, in 2001.
This historical perspective of the Burch’s timeline can encourage urogynecological surgeons to master the Burch technique as one of the options for surgical treatment of SUI.
Criteria A bibliographic search was performed in the PubMed and National Library of Medicine (NIH) databases with the terms Burch colposuspension AND history AND stress urinary incontinence in the last 20 years. The original article by Burch (1961) was included. The references were read by three authors. The exclusion criterion was studies in non-English languages. Biomedical Library Special Collections were included as historical relevant search.
Some modifications of the technique have been made since the Burch procedure was first described. The interest in this technique has been increasing due to the negative publicity associated with vaginal synthetic mesh products. Twenty-nine relevant articles were included in the present review article, and numerous trials have compared Burch colposuspension with MUS.
This historical perspective enables the scientific community to review a standardized technique for SUI. Burch colposuspension should be considered an appropriate surgical treatment for women with SUI, and an option in urogynecological training programs worldwide.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(5):511-518
, , The Burch procedure (1961) was considered the gold standard treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) before the midurethral slings (MUSs) were introduced, in 2001.
This historical perspective of the Burch’s timeline can encourage urogynecological surgeons to master the Burch technique as one of the options for surgical treatment of SUI.
Criteria A bibliographic search was performed in the PubMed and National Library of Medicine (NIH) databases with the terms Burch colposuspension AND history AND stress urinary incontinence in the last 20 years. The original article by Burch (1961) was included. The references were read by three authors. The exclusion criterion was studies in non-English languages. Biomedical Library Special Collections were included as historical relevant search.
Some modifications of the technique have been made since the Burch procedure was first described. The interest in this technique has been increasing due to the negative publicity associated with vaginal synthetic mesh products. Twenty-nine relevant articles were included in the present review article, and numerous trials have compared Burch colposuspension with MUS.
This historical perspective enables the scientific community to review a standardized technique for SUI. Burch colposuspension should be considered an appropriate surgical treatment for women with SUI, and an option in urogynecological training programs worldwide.
, , , , Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2021;43(2):131-136
, , , , To evaluate whether performing preoperative urodynamic study influences postoperative urinary symptoms of women with stress urinary incontinence that underwent transobturator sling.
Retrospective analysis of patients treated for stress urinary incontinence by transobturator sling from August 2011 to October 2018. Predictor variables included preoperative urodynamic study, age, incontinence severity, body mass index, preoperative storage symptoms and previous anti-urinary incontinence procedure. Outcome variables were postoperative subjective continence status, storage symptoms and complications. Logistic regression after propensity score was employed to compare outcomes between patients who underwent or not pre-operative urodynamic study.
The present study included 88 patients with an average follow-up of 269 days. Most patients (n = 52; 59.1%) described storage symptoms other than stress urinary incontinence, and 38 patients (43.2%) underwent preoperative urodynamic studies. Logistic regression after propensity score did not reveal an association between urinary continence outcomes and performance of preoperative urodynamic study (odds ratio 0.57; confidence interval [CI]: 0.11-2.49). Among women that did not undergo urodynamic study, there was a subjective improvement in urinary incontinence in 92% of the cases versus 87% in those that underwent urodynamic study (p = 0.461). Furthermore, postoperative storage symptoms were similar between women who did not undergo urodynamic study and those who underwent urodynamic study, 13.2% versus 18.4%, respectively (p = 0.753).
Preoperative urodynamic study had no impact on urinary incontinence cure outcomes as well as on urinary storage symptoms after the transobturator sling in women with stress urinary incontinence.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2021;43(2):131-136
, , , , To evaluate whether performing preoperative urodynamic study influences postoperative urinary symptoms of women with stress urinary incontinence that underwent transobturator sling.
Retrospective analysis of patients treated for stress urinary incontinence by transobturator sling from August 2011 to October 2018. Predictor variables included preoperative urodynamic study, age, incontinence severity, body mass index, preoperative storage symptoms and previous anti-urinary incontinence procedure. Outcome variables were postoperative subjective continence status, storage symptoms and complications. Logistic regression after propensity score was employed to compare outcomes between patients who underwent or not pre-operative urodynamic study.
The present study included 88 patients with an average follow-up of 269 days. Most patients (n = 52; 59.1%) described storage symptoms other than stress urinary incontinence, and 38 patients (43.2%) underwent preoperative urodynamic studies. Logistic regression after propensity score did not reveal an association between urinary continence outcomes and performance of preoperative urodynamic study (odds ratio 0.57; confidence interval [CI]: 0.11-2.49). Among women that did not undergo urodynamic study, there was a subjective improvement in urinary incontinence in 92% of the cases versus 87% in those that underwent urodynamic study (p = 0.461). Furthermore, postoperative storage symptoms were similar between women who did not undergo urodynamic study and those who underwent urodynamic study, 13.2% versus 18.4%, respectively (p = 0.753).
Preoperative urodynamic study had no impact on urinary incontinence cure outcomes as well as on urinary storage symptoms after the transobturator sling in women with stress urinary incontinence.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2019;41(2):116-123
To evaluate if performing anti-incontinence procedures during surgical anterior and/or apical prolapse correction in women with asymptomatic urinary incontinence (UI) may prevent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) postoperatively.
We have performed a systematic review of articles published in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Lilacs databases until March 31, 2016. Two reviewers performed the data collection and analysis, independently. All of the selected studiesweremethodologically analyzed. The results are presented as relative risk (RR), with a 95% confidence interval (CI).
After performing the selection of the studies, only nine trials fulfilled the necessary prerequisites. In the present review, 1,146 patients were included. Altogether, the review included trials of three different types of anti-incontinence procedures. We found that performing any anti-incontinence procedure at the same time of prolapse repair reduced the incidence of SUI postoperatively (RR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.28-0.91). However, when we performed the analysis separately by the type of anti-incontinence procedure, we found different results. In the subgroup analysis with midurethral slings, it is beneficial to perform it to reduce the incidence of SUI (RR = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.02-0.28). On the other hand, in the subgroup analysis with Burch colposuspension, there was no significant difference with the control group (RR = 1.47; 95% CI: 0.28-7.79]).
Performing any prophylactic anti-incontinence procedure at the same time as prolapse repair reduced the incidence of SUI postoperatively. The Burch colposuspension did not show any decrease in the incidence of SUI postoperatively.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2019;41(2):116-123
To evaluate if performing anti-incontinence procedures during surgical anterior and/or apical prolapse correction in women with asymptomatic urinary incontinence (UI) may prevent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) postoperatively.
We have performed a systematic review of articles published in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Lilacs databases until March 31, 2016. Two reviewers performed the data collection and analysis, independently. All of the selected studiesweremethodologically analyzed. The results are presented as relative risk (RR), with a 95% confidence interval (CI).
After performing the selection of the studies, only nine trials fulfilled the necessary prerequisites. In the present review, 1,146 patients were included. Altogether, the review included trials of three different types of anti-incontinence procedures. We found that performing any anti-incontinence procedure at the same time of prolapse repair reduced the incidence of SUI postoperatively (RR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.28-0.91). However, when we performed the analysis separately by the type of anti-incontinence procedure, we found different results. In the subgroup analysis with midurethral slings, it is beneficial to perform it to reduce the incidence of SUI (RR = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.02-0.28). On the other hand, in the subgroup analysis with Burch colposuspension, there was no significant difference with the control group (RR = 1.47; 95% CI: 0.28-7.79]).
Performing any prophylactic anti-incontinence procedure at the same time as prolapse repair reduced the incidence of SUI postoperatively. The Burch colposuspension did not show any decrease in the incidence of SUI postoperatively.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2018;40(10):614-619
To evaluate the long-term subjective cure rate of the transobturator sling, including an analysis of the risk factors and of the impact of increased surgical experience on the results.
A retrospective cohort study of women who underwent transobturator sling surgery from 2005 to 2011 was conducted. Patients were evaluated by a telephone survey using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and by subjective questions regarding satisfaction. An ICIQ-SF score of 0 was considered a cure. The crude and adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated in univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to identify risk factors for surgical failure. Differences with p < 0.05 were considered significant.
In total, 152 (70.6%) patients answered the questionnaire. The median follow-up period was 87 months. The urodynamic diagnosis was stress urinary incontinence in 144 patients (94.7%), and mixed urinary incontinence in 8 (5.3%) patients. Complications occurred in 25 (16%) patients. The ICQ-SF results indicated that 99 (65.10%) patients could be considered cured (ICIQ-SF score = 0). Regarding the degree of satisfaction, 101 (66%) considered themselves cured, 43 (28%) considered themselves improved, 7 (4.6%) considered themselves unchanged, and one reported worsening of the incontinence. After the univariate and multivariate analyses, the primary risk factor for surgical failure was the presence of urgency (p < 0.001).
The transobturator sling is effective, with a low rate of complications and a high long-term satisfaction rate. The risk factors for failure were the presence of urgency and patient age. The increased experience of the surgeon was not a factor that influenced the rate of complications.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2018;40(10):614-619
To evaluate the long-term subjective cure rate of the transobturator sling, including an analysis of the risk factors and of the impact of increased surgical experience on the results.
A retrospective cohort study of women who underwent transobturator sling surgery from 2005 to 2011 was conducted. Patients were evaluated by a telephone survey using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and by subjective questions regarding satisfaction. An ICIQ-SF score of 0 was considered a cure. The crude and adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated in univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to identify risk factors for surgical failure. Differences with p < 0.05 were considered significant.
In total, 152 (70.6%) patients answered the questionnaire. The median follow-up period was 87 months. The urodynamic diagnosis was stress urinary incontinence in 144 patients (94.7%), and mixed urinary incontinence in 8 (5.3%) patients. Complications occurred in 25 (16%) patients. The ICQ-SF results indicated that 99 (65.10%) patients could be considered cured (ICIQ-SF score = 0). Regarding the degree of satisfaction, 101 (66%) considered themselves cured, 43 (28%) considered themselves improved, 7 (4.6%) considered themselves unchanged, and one reported worsening of the incontinence. After the univariate and multivariate analyses, the primary risk factor for surgical failure was the presence of urgency (p < 0.001).
The transobturator sling is effective, with a low rate of complications and a high long-term satisfaction rate. The risk factors for failure were the presence of urgency and patient age. The increased experience of the surgeon was not a factor that influenced the rate of complications.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2018;40(8):477-490
To compare surgical treatments for stress urinary incontinence in terms of efficiency and complications.
We searched the MEDLINE and COCHRANE databases using the terms stress urinary incontinence, surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence and sling. Selection of Studies Forty-eight studies were selected, which amounted to a total of 6,881 patients with scores equal to or higher than 3 in the Jadad scale.
Each study was read by one of the authors, added to a standardized table and checked by a second author. We extracted data on intervention details, follow-up time, the results of treatment and adverse events.
Comparing retropubic versus transobturator slings, the former was superior for both objective (odds ratio [OR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.54) and subjective (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.02-1.48) cures. Between minislings versus other slings, there was a difference favoring other slings for subjective cure (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.39- 0.86). Between pubovaginal sling versus Burch surgery, there was a difference for both objective (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.50-2.77) and subjective (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.10-2.44) cures, favoring pubovaginal sling. Therewas no difference in the groups: midurethral slings versus Burch, pubovaginal sling versus midurethral slings, transobturator slings, minislings versus other slings (objective cure). Retropubic and pubovaginal slings are more retentionist. Retropubic slings have more bladder perforation, and transobturator slings, more leg and groin pain, neurological lesion and vaginal perforation.
Pubovaginal slings are superior to Burch colposuspension surgery but exhibit more retention. Retropubic slings are superior to transobturator slings, with more adverse events. Other slings are superior to minislings in the subjective aspect. There was no difference in the comparisons between midurethral slings versus Burch colposuspension surgery, pubovaginal versus midurethral slings, and inside-out versus outside-in transobturator slings.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2018;40(8):477-490
To compare surgical treatments for stress urinary incontinence in terms of efficiency and complications.
We searched the MEDLINE and COCHRANE databases using the terms stress urinary incontinence, surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence and sling. Selection of Studies Forty-eight studies were selected, which amounted to a total of 6,881 patients with scores equal to or higher than 3 in the Jadad scale.
Each study was read by one of the authors, added to a standardized table and checked by a second author. We extracted data on intervention details, follow-up time, the results of treatment and adverse events.
Comparing retropubic versus transobturator slings, the former was superior for both objective (odds ratio [OR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.54) and subjective (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.02-1.48) cures. Between minislings versus other slings, there was a difference favoring other slings for subjective cure (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.39- 0.86). Between pubovaginal sling versus Burch surgery, there was a difference for both objective (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.50-2.77) and subjective (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.10-2.44) cures, favoring pubovaginal sling. Therewas no difference in the groups: midurethral slings versus Burch, pubovaginal sling versus midurethral slings, transobturator slings, minislings versus other slings (objective cure). Retropubic and pubovaginal slings are more retentionist. Retropubic slings have more bladder perforation, and transobturator slings, more leg and groin pain, neurological lesion and vaginal perforation.
Pubovaginal slings are superior to Burch colposuspension surgery but exhibit more retention. Retropubic slings are superior to transobturator slings, with more adverse events. Other slings are superior to minislings in the subjective aspect. There was no difference in the comparisons between midurethral slings versus Burch colposuspension surgery, pubovaginal versus midurethral slings, and inside-out versus outside-in transobturator slings.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(9):454-458
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000900007
PURPOSE: to evaluate and compare the effects of body mass index (BMI) on the severity of female urinary incontinence (UI) using the quality of life questionnaire King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), variables of urodynamic studies and the medical history taken. METHODS: cross-sectional clinical study. We selected 65 patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) who were divided into three groups: Group I (BMI: 18-25 kg/m²), Group II (BMI: 25-30 kg/m²) and Group III (BMI>30 kg/m²). The KHQ domains were compared between these groups. In addition, some clinical history urodynamic data (presence of nocturia, enuresis, urgency and urge incontinence) were also related to BMI by calculating the Odds Ratio (OR). The BMI in the presence and absence of non-inhibited detrusor contractions and Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) <60 or > 60 cmH2O were evaluated. Finally, the correlation between BMI and the nine KHQ domains has been tested in order to detect some association. RESULTS: the KHQ did not record deterioration of quality of life in women with UI with increasing BMI in any of its areas. The OR for the presence of enuresis in relation to a BMI was 1.003 [CI: 0.897-1.121], p=0.962. The OR for nocturia was 1.049 [CI: 0.933-1.18], p=.425. The OR for urgency was 0.975 [CI: 0.826-1.151], p=0.762, and the OR for incontinence was 0.978 [CI: 0.85-1.126], p=0.76. We studied the BMI in patients with and without non-inhibited detrusor contractions and detected medians of 26.4±4.8 and 28.3±5.7 kg/m², respectively (p=0.6). Similarly, the median BMI values for the groups with VLPP <60 and >60 cmH2O were 29.6±4.1 and 27.7±5.7 kg/m², respectively (p=0.2). Finally, we failed to demonstrate an association between BMI and any of the nine KHQ domains by means of the Spearman correlation. CONCLUSION: there was no association of KHQ scores with BMI. There was also no correlation between the parameters of clinical history and of the urodynamic study with BMI.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(9):454-458
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000900007
PURPOSE: to evaluate and compare the effects of body mass index (BMI) on the severity of female urinary incontinence (UI) using the quality of life questionnaire King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), variables of urodynamic studies and the medical history taken. METHODS: cross-sectional clinical study. We selected 65 patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) who were divided into three groups: Group I (BMI: 18-25 kg/m²), Group II (BMI: 25-30 kg/m²) and Group III (BMI>30 kg/m²). The KHQ domains were compared between these groups. In addition, some clinical history urodynamic data (presence of nocturia, enuresis, urgency and urge incontinence) were also related to BMI by calculating the Odds Ratio (OR). The BMI in the presence and absence of non-inhibited detrusor contractions and Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) <60 or > 60 cmH2O were evaluated. Finally, the correlation between BMI and the nine KHQ domains has been tested in order to detect some association. RESULTS: the KHQ did not record deterioration of quality of life in women with UI with increasing BMI in any of its areas. The OR for the presence of enuresis in relation to a BMI was 1.003 [CI: 0.897-1.121], p=0.962. The OR for nocturia was 1.049 [CI: 0.933-1.18], p=.425. The OR for urgency was 0.975 [CI: 0.826-1.151], p=0.762, and the OR for incontinence was 0.978 [CI: 0.85-1.126], p=0.76. We studied the BMI in patients with and without non-inhibited detrusor contractions and detected medians of 26.4±4.8 and 28.3±5.7 kg/m², respectively (p=0.6). Similarly, the median BMI values for the groups with VLPP <60 and >60 cmH2O were 29.6±4.1 and 27.7±5.7 kg/m², respectively (p=0.2). Finally, we failed to demonstrate an association between BMI and any of the nine KHQ domains by means of the Spearman correlation. CONCLUSION: there was no association of KHQ scores with BMI. There was also no correlation between the parameters of clinical history and of the urodynamic study with BMI.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2000;22(1):43-48
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000100008
Purpose: to analyze the prevalence of genuine urinary incontinence (GUI) recurrence, after at least two years of follow-up, in different surgical techniques used for its correction. Patients and Methods: fifty-five patients with diagnosis of GUI, submitted to surgery for its repair at the Serviço de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre from 1992 to 1996 and whose post-surgical follow-up was superior to 2 years were divided into three groups according to the surgical approach: Kelly-Kennedy (n = 24), Burch (n = 23) and Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz (n = 8). Results: there were no differences regarding recurrence rate, age at surgery and at recurrence time, estrogen therapy, number of pregnancies and vaginal delivery (p>0.05). Although posterior perineoplasty was more prevalent in the Kelly-Kennedy group, it did not influence the recurrence rate. The group submitted to the Burch approach had more years of menopause at the time of surgery. Conclusion: the recurrence rates of urinary incontinence comparing the three different techniques (Kelly-Kennedy, Burch and Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz) were, respectively, 29.2, 39.1 and 50%, which did not differ statistically. Considering the potential confusional bias for urinary stress incontinence, they did not differ among the groups. Nevertheless, we noticed that all women who had previous surgery presented recurrence of incontinence.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2000;22(1):43-48
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000100008
Purpose: to analyze the prevalence of genuine urinary incontinence (GUI) recurrence, after at least two years of follow-up, in different surgical techniques used for its correction. Patients and Methods: fifty-five patients with diagnosis of GUI, submitted to surgery for its repair at the Serviço de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre from 1992 to 1996 and whose post-surgical follow-up was superior to 2 years were divided into three groups according to the surgical approach: Kelly-Kennedy (n = 24), Burch (n = 23) and Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz (n = 8). Results: there were no differences regarding recurrence rate, age at surgery and at recurrence time, estrogen therapy, number of pregnancies and vaginal delivery (p>0.05). Although posterior perineoplasty was more prevalent in the Kelly-Kennedy group, it did not influence the recurrence rate. The group submitted to the Burch approach had more years of menopause at the time of surgery. Conclusion: the recurrence rates of urinary incontinence comparing the three different techniques (Kelly-Kennedy, Burch and Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz) were, respectively, 29.2, 39.1 and 50%, which did not differ statistically. Considering the potential confusional bias for urinary stress incontinence, they did not differ among the groups. Nevertheless, we noticed that all women who had previous surgery presented recurrence of incontinence.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2005;27(1):12-19
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005000100005
PURPOSE: to evaluate and compare results of female pelvic floor surface electromyography in different positions: lying, sitting and standing. METHODS: twenty-six women with the diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence treated with a protocol of exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscle were evaluated. Pelvic floor surface electromyography was performed with an intravaginal sensor connected to Myotrac 3G TM equipment, as follows: initial rest of 60 s, five phasic contractions, one 10-s tonic contraction and one 20-s tonic contraction. The amplitudes were obtained from the difference between the final contraction amplitude and the amplitude at rest (in µV). Wilcoxon test was applied for nonparametric data (p value <0.05). RESULTS: the amplitudes of contractions were higher in the lying position, decreasing in the sitting and standing positions. In the lying position, the median values of phasic and tonic contractions were 23.5 (5-73), 18.0 (3-58) and 17.0 (2-48), respectively. In the sitting position, they were 20.0 (2-69), 16.0 (0-58) and 15.5 (1-48). In the standing position they were 16.5 (3-67), 12.5 (2-54) and 13.5 (2-41). All amplitude values were significantly lower in the standing position compared to the lying position (p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.003). Similar results were also found in comparison to the sitting position. However, there was no significant difference between the lying and the sitting positions. CONCLUSION: all female pelvic floor contraction amplitudes were lower in the standing position, suggesting that the muscle strength should be intensified in that position.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2005;27(1):12-19
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032005000100005
PURPOSE: to evaluate and compare results of female pelvic floor surface electromyography in different positions: lying, sitting and standing. METHODS: twenty-six women with the diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence treated with a protocol of exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscle were evaluated. Pelvic floor surface electromyography was performed with an intravaginal sensor connected to Myotrac 3G TM equipment, as follows: initial rest of 60 s, five phasic contractions, one 10-s tonic contraction and one 20-s tonic contraction. The amplitudes were obtained from the difference between the final contraction amplitude and the amplitude at rest (in µV). Wilcoxon test was applied for nonparametric data (p value <0.05). RESULTS: the amplitudes of contractions were higher in the lying position, decreasing in the sitting and standing positions. In the lying position, the median values of phasic and tonic contractions were 23.5 (5-73), 18.0 (3-58) and 17.0 (2-48), respectively. In the sitting position, they were 20.0 (2-69), 16.0 (0-58) and 15.5 (1-48). In the standing position they were 16.5 (3-67), 12.5 (2-54) and 13.5 (2-41). All amplitude values were significantly lower in the standing position compared to the lying position (p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.003). Similar results were also found in comparison to the sitting position. However, there was no significant difference between the lying and the sitting positions. CONCLUSION: all female pelvic floor contraction amplitudes were lower in the standing position, suggesting that the muscle strength should be intensified in that position.