Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Apr 24;19(9):5179. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19095179.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) occurs when one or more pelvic organs descend into or through the vaginal opening, significantly impacting physical and mental health. POP affects the female reproductive tract and, overwhelmingly, people who identify as women. However, little research has examined the impact of gendered expectations on women's treatment-seeking for POP and their decision-making around surgery for POP. To address this gap, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 26 women seeking surgery for POP in Alberta, Canada. Data were analyzed from a gender-based lens, using the Framework Method. Participants reported the need to balance their identities as women, partners, and mothers in their pursuit of treatment and faced many barriers to treatment related to their gendered responsibilities. Findings highlight the gendered experiences of prolapse in the context of healthcare needs and can inform policies and practices which promote more equitable access to prolapse treatment.
盆腔器官脱垂（POP）是指一个或多个盆腔器官下降或穿过阴道开口，这会对身心健康产生重大影响。POP 影响女性生殖系统，绝大多数是被认定为女性的人会受到影响。然而，很少有研究探讨性别期望对女性寻求 POP 治疗的影响，以及她们在 POP 手术方面的决策。为了解决这一差距，我们对 26 名在加拿大阿尔伯塔省寻求 POP 手术的女性进行了半结构化访谈。研究从基于性别的角度出发，使用框架方法对数据进行分析。参与者报告说，她们在寻求治疗时需要平衡自己作为女性、伴侣和母亲的身份，并且在治疗方面面临许多与性别责任相关的障碍。研究结果突出了脱垂在医疗需求方面的性别体验，并为促进更公平地获得脱垂治疗的政策和实践提供了信息。
