The role of primary physicians in the diagnostic delay of lower urinary tract and pelvic organ prolapse symptoms

Objective: To explore the role of primary physicians in the diagnostic delay of lower urinary tract and pelvic organ prolapse symptoms in parous women. Study design: Prospective cohort study of women referred to the Urogynecology Outpatient Clinic of a major medical center by primary physicians in the community for initial assessment of lower urinary tract and pelvic organ prolapse symptoms. Results: Most of the women blamed themselves for the delay. However, the primary physicians were considered responsible for 33.5% of the delays. There was no between-group differences in self-blame (p = 0.438). Women with pelvic organ prolapse blamed the gynecologist significantly more often than women with lower urinary tract symptoms (p = 0.043); 38.6% of the physicians considered the symptoms not sufficiently severe or a natural part of aging. Conclusion: Patients need to receive more information on the availability of specific evaluations and treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction.