SUFU 2021: Disparity in Female Pelvic Examination in the Evaluation of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

(UroToday.com) The primary objective of this study was to investigate the disparity of pelvic and genitourinary (GU) exams between male and female patients who present with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), urinary tract infection (UTI), and other urological conditions as well as, assess for predictors of undergoing pelvic examination. This was a retrospective chart review performed for female and male patients from October 2016 to December 2018.

A 4:1 age-matched cohort of males was extracted in order to assess the presumed disparity in pelvic/genital exams. Chief complaints included LUTS, overactive bladder (OAB), urinary incontinence, urinary retention, UTI symptoms, neurogenic bladder, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Exclusion criteria included all urologists who were female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) trained. 509 patients were assessed (F:116, M: 393), 97% of all patient encounters were by male urologists. Of all patients, 41% underwent a genital examination. Only 10% (12/115) of female patients underwent a pelvic examination vs. 50% (195/393) of male patients. Gender differences are of concern but not surprising.

Presented by: Aryana Sharrak, Marcus Jamil, MD, Mahdi Bazzi, MD, Ryan Timar, Natalija Kovacevic, MD, Humphrey Atiemo, MD, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester Hills, MI; Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI

Written by: Diane K. Newman, DNP, CRNP, FAAN, BCB-PMD, Nurse Practioner and Co-Director, Penn Center for Continence and Pelvic Health Adjunct Professor of Urology in Surgery during the 2021 Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) Winter Meeting