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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
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Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Published on: April 17, 2019
Pelvic floor function and anatomy after childbirth
Yesim Bulbul Baytur1, Selim Serter, Serdar Tarhan
1Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and of Radiology, Celal Bayar University, School of Medicine, Manisa, Turkey. yesim_bulbul@yahoo.com
The Journal of Reproductive Medicine
|September 13, 2007
Summary
Childbirth method does not impact pelvic muscle strength. However, vaginal delivery may lead to greater pelvic organ descent compared to cesarean delivery, particularly with longer labor durations.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pelvic Floor Disorders
- Women's Health
Background:
- Childbirth can affect pelvic floor muscle function and anatomy.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for postpartum recovery and long-term health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare pelvic floor muscle function and anatomy in continent women after childbirth.
- To investigate differences based on delivery method (vaginal vs. cesarean) and compare to nulliparous controls.
Main Methods:
- Recruited women aged 20-40 into three groups: elective cesarean, vaginal delivery, and nulliparous controls.
- Assessed pelvic floor muscle strength using a perineometer and vaginal palpation.
- Utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate pelvic floor anatomy at rest and during straining.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in pelvic floor muscle strength was found between vaginal and cesarean delivery groups.
- Greater descent of the bladder and cervix on straining was observed in the vaginal delivery group compared to cesarean and nulliparous groups.
- Positive correlations were found between labor duration and levator sling area, and between birth weight and cervical descent during straining.
Conclusions:
- Delivery method does not appear to influence pelvic muscle strength.
- Vaginal delivery is associated with increased pelvic organ descent, potentially influenced by labor duration and birth weight.
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