Eustice S, Endacott R, Morris J, Shankar R, Kent B. Women's experiences of managing digitation: do we ask enough in primary care?
JRSM Open 2018;
9:2054270418783616. [PMID:
30094048 PMCID:
PMC6080083 DOI:
10.1177/2054270418783616]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this paper was to consider the available evidence for the current
management of pelvic organ prolapse, which is a common presentation in primary
care. However, not all women will present, only presenting when symptoms become
bothersome. Particular attention was paid to understanding the problem of
rectocele and its influence on obstructive defaecation symptoms. The burden of
rectocele and its consequences are not truly known. Furthermore, healthcare
professionals may not always enquire about bowel symptoms and patients may not
disclose them. Complex emotions around coping and managing stress add to the
challenges with seeking healthcare. Therefore, the impact on the lived
experience of women who have difficulty with rectal emptying can be significant.
The review identified a dearth of knowledge about women living with the problem
of obstructive defaecation resulting in the use of digitation. Improving the
management of digitation, an under-reported problem, is necessary to improve the
quality of life for women. Primary care needs to increase access to conservative
measures for women struggling with bothersome symptoms, such as constipation,
the need to digitate or anxiety.
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