Urinary incontinence: is cesarean delivery protective?

Ingrid Nygaard1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah College of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA. Ingrid.nygaard@hsc.utah.edu

Seminars in Perinatology
|October 3, 2006
PubMed

About half of all women develop transient urinary incontinence during pregnancy. Three months postpartum, the prevalence and incidence rates of urinary incontinence are 9% to 31% and 7% to 15%, respectively. Antenatal incontinence increases the risk of postpartum incontinence, which in turn increases the risk of long-term persistent incontinence. After the first delivery, women delivered vaginally have two-fold more incontinence than those delivered by cesarean. The protective effect of cesarean on urinary incontinence may dissipate after further deliveries, decreases with age, and is not present in older women. Data are mixed about whether cesarean done before labor confers greater protection than cesarean done after labor. To understand the true impact of cesarean delivery on urinary incontinence, future studies must compare incontinence by planned (not actual) delivery modes, consider a woman's entire reproductive career, focus on leakage severe enough to be problematic, consider other bladder symptoms as well as incontinence, and take into account other risk factors, particularly antepartum urinary incontinence.

Related Concept Videos

Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management01:17

Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management

In managing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in nursing, a comprehensive assessment is essential. Begin by gathering subjective data, such as the patient’s complaints of dysuria (painful urination), urinary frequency, urgency, suprapubic pain, and any lower abdominal discomfort. This information can be complemented by questions regarding previous UTIs, sexual activity, and personal hygiene practices, which can provide insight into risk factors. Objective assessment should focus on signs like...
Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation01:26

Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation

The nursing assessment of the genitourinary (GU) system involves a systematic inspection and palpation to identify abnormalities in the kidneys, bladder, and surrounding structures.InspectionMouth: Inspect for signs of kidney dysfunction, such as stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) and ammonia breath, which may occur in advanced kidney disease due to the buildup of urea, breaking down into ammonia.Skin: Check for pallor, which could indicate anemia caused by kidney disease. Look for...
Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum01:26

Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum

The muscles of the pelvic floor and perineum are crucial for supporting the pelvic organs, controlling continence, and aiding in sexual function, childbirth, and core stability. They are typically divided into the superficial perineal layer and the deep pelvic floor layer.
Perineal Layer
The perineum is a diamond-shaped area below the pelvic diaphragm, divided into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the external genitals and a posterior anal triangle housing the anus. The urogenital...
Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History01:21

Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History

The genitourinary system is critical to maintaining fluid balance, waste elimination, and reproductive function. Nurses play a vital role in assessing this system, beginning with a thorough health history. This process involves gathering patient information, identifying risk factors, and recognizing symptoms of genitourinary disorders. Early detection is vital for timely interventions and management.1. Gathering Patient InformationA complete health history includes the patient’s personal,...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management01:25

Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management

Procedures for Kidney StonesMedical intervention is necessary when kidney stones or renal calculi are too large to pass spontaneously (typically greater than 5 millimeters) when stones are accompanied by symptomatic infection (such as fever or pyelonephritis), when they impair kidney function, or when they cause persistent symptoms like severe pain, nausea, or urinary retention. Additionally, patients with only one kidney or those who cannot be treated with medical management also require...