Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 22, 2026
03:49
Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse POP Quantification System
Published on: September 20, 2018
20.8K
Association between mode of delivery and pelvic floor dysfunction
Guri Rørtveit1, Yngvild S Hannestad2
1Allmennmedisinsk forskningsenhet i Bergen Uni Research Helse og Forskningsgruppe for allmennmedisin Institutt for global helse og samfunnsmedisin Universitetet i Bergen.
Summary
Caesarean sections reduce the risk of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse compared to vaginal delivery. However, this protective effect diminishes with age for incontinence, and caesarean sections offer limited population-level prevention for pelvic floor dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pelvic Floor Disorders
- Women's Health
Background:
- Vaginal delivery places significant strain on the pelvic floor.
- Pelvic floor disorders, including urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, are common postpartum complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on vaginal delivery as a risk factor for pelvic floor dysfunction.
- To compare the risks of urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and anal incontinence between vaginal delivery and caesarean section.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of PubMed focusing on systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
- Inclusion of articles from personal literature archives.
- Search completed in January 2014.
Main Results:
- Caesarean section is associated with lower rates of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse compared to vaginal delivery.
- The protective effect of caesarean section against urinary incontinence diminishes in women over fifty.
- Risk of pelvic organ prolapse increases with the number of vaginal deliveries; caesarean section offers limited protection against anal incontinence postpartum, except in cases of previous anal sphincter rupture.
Conclusions:
- Women who deliver solely via caesarean section have lower prevalence of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
- The difference in urinary incontinence risk between delivery modes appears to decrease with age.
- Caesarean section has a limited primary preventive effect on pelvic floor dysfunction at a population level, with anal sphincter rupture being a key risk factor for anal incontinence.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum
6.6K
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...
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...
6.6K
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
58
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,...
58
01:21Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
159
Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...
159
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
4.5K
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
4.5K
01:25Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
2.0K
Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
2.0K
01:19Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry
9.0K
Uroflowmetry is a non-invasive urodynamic test designed to measure various aspects of urination, including volume, flow rate, and the time to void. This test is crucial for diagnosing and assessing conditions such as bladder outlet obstruction, bladder dysfunction, incomplete bladder emptying, incontinence, and urinary tract blockages caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urethral strictures.Pre-Test Instructions:Before a uroflowmetry test, patients are typically advised to drink...
9.0K