A press release from the Journal of Investigative Dermatology describes the latest research into stretch marks. The release says stretch marks are “unsightly” and describes them as a “disorder”. Fair enough. It then goes on to discuss the finding that women with this disorder, appear to be at increased risk of pelvic prolapse. How could this be and what are the warning signs?
Like stretch marks, pelvic prolapse is a connective tissue disorder and pelvic weakness is a serious condition caused by deterioration of support structures that can result in pressure, pain, vaginal bulge and/or urinary incontinence. The scientists who report their results explain that pelvic prolapse is an extremely under-reported condition with no official data as to how many women suffer from the condition. Tracked cases in the US, however, show more than 300,000 procedures are performed annually to repair the condition, which has been previously associated with pregnancy. This new study, however, found that stretch marks were twice as common in women with prolapse as those without, hinting at a hitherto hidden connection.
Stretch marks occur when skin is stretched beyond its usual capabilities and normal production of collagen is disrupted. As a result, scars or stretch marks form. Alexa Kimball and colleagues reviewed results from a survey issued to urogynecology and dermatology patients. Participants ranged in age from 25-90 with an average weight of 152 pounds (70 kg).
Analysis of multiple variables identified stretch marks as the only significant predictor of pelvic
prolapse. Follow-up studies will further investigate the incidence and correlation of these two connective tissue disorders and how genetic factors contribute to incidence. Research will also include prospective studies to validate findings and identify predictive markers to prevent the progression of this condition.
The paper is available through www.jidonline.org