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Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
Published on: September 20, 2018
Postcesarean pelvic floor dysfunction contributes to undisclosed psychosocial morbidity
Mira Lal1, Helen M Pattison, Teresa F Allan
1Women's and Children's Directorate, Dudley Group of Hospitals, National Health Service Trust, Dudley, UK. mira@miralal.freeserve.co.uk
The Journal of Reproductive Medicine
|March 24, 2009
Summary
Postcesarean pelvic dysfunction, including stress incontinence and dyspareunia, was less common than after vaginal delivery. However, severe biopsychosocial morbidity was noted in many women, with few seeking help.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Urogynecology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Pelvic dysfunction is a common concern following childbirth.
- Cesarean delivery is a significant surgical procedure with potential long-term effects.
- Understanding the prevalence and severity of postcesarean pelvic dysfunction is crucial for women's health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence and severity of postcesarean pelvic dysfunction.
- To compare pelvic dysfunction symptoms between women who delivered via cesarean and vaginal birth.
- To assess the association between pelvic dysfunction and biopsychosocial morbidity.
Main Methods:
- Biopsychosocial interviewing was conducted in the homes of 184 postcesarean and 100 vaginally delivered primiparas.
- Symptoms of stress incontinence, anal incontinence, and dyspareunia were assessed.
- Delivery details were confirmed via medical records.
Main Results:
- Postcesarean women had significantly lower rates of stress incontinence (33% vs. 54%) and dyspareunia (27% vs. 46%) compared to vaginal delivery.
- Anal incontinence rates were similar between groups (51% vs. 44%).
- Severe biopsychosocial morbidity, including depression, was associated with pelvic dysfunction symptoms, particularly dyspareunia.
Conclusions:
- Pelvic dysfunction prevalence was similar between elective and emergency cesarean deliveries.
- While postcesarean stress incontinence and dyspareunia were less frequent than after vaginal birth, significant biopsychosocial morbidity can occur.
- A low rate of help-seeking behavior was observed among affected women.
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