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Updated: May 31, 2026

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
Published on: September 20, 2018
Postpartum impairment of pelvic floor muscle function: factors involved and association with prolapse
Irene Diez-Itza1, Miren Arrue, Larraitz Ibañez
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Donostia Hospital, San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain. idiezi@sego.es
Introduction And Hypothesis:
The aim of this study is to assess factors involved in the impairment of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function from antepartum to 6 months postpartum. We also investigated whether reduced PFM strength was associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) postpartum.
Methods:
This was a prospective cohort study including 319 primigravid women delivered vaginally. PFM function was assessed in pregnant women at term and 6 months postpartum by digital palpation and perineometry. Prolapse was explored using the POP quantification (POP-Q) system.
Results:
Instrumental delivery, larger newborn head circumference, and older maternal age were independent risk factors for impaired PFM function postpartum. Women with POP-Q stage ≥ II postpartum had a significant decrease in PFM strength with respect to the antepartum period, and lower PFM strength than women without such prolapse.
Conclusions:
Both constitutional and obstetric factors are involved in impairment of PFM function postpartum. Reduced PFM strength is associated with prolapse in the postpartum period.
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