Self-Reported Uterine-Prolapse-Related Symptoms and Perceived Health Impacts Among Women in Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Uterine prolapse may cause pelvic, urinary, bowel, sexual, and functional symptoms, but community-based evidence on women’s reported experiences and perceived impacts in Nigeria is limited. Objective: To describe self-reported uterine-prolapse-related symptoms, prior professional diagnosis and treatment, functional interference, and perceived health impacts among women in Rivers State. Methods: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 384 women in 27 communities across the three senatorial districts. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Twelve symptom items were summarized as individual endorsements and as a count ranging from 0 to 12. Ten items assessed perceived health impacts. Frequencies, percentages, and descriptive statistics were used. Results: The most frequently endorsed symptoms were lower-back pain associated with prolonged standing or walking (68.8%), urinary leakage (63.0%), pelvic heaviness (59.9%), pelvic pressure (58.9%), and vaginal protrusion (58.3%). The mean symptom count was 6.71 (SD 5.53), with a median of 10 (IQR 0–12; range 0–12); 31.3% endorsed none and 44.8% endorsed all 12 symptoms. Previous professional diagnosis was reported by 38.8%, previous treatment by 36.5%, and interference with daily activities by 53.6%. Perceived effects on overall quality of life and long-term complications were each endorsed by 82.3%; urinary difficulty by 80.7%, emotional stress or anxiety by 80.2%, and household activity difficulty by 79.7%. Findings provide a local descriptive profile of symptoms. Conclusion: Participants reported symptoms across several domains and commonly perceived broad health impacts. Community health services should provide respectful opportunities to discuss pelvic symptoms and access appropriate assessment. Findings reflect self-reported experiences and perceptions.