Correlation Between Delivery Type and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Case-Control Study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Pelvic Floor Health
• Women's Health Research

Background:

• Mode of delivery is a known risk factor for pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD).
• Understanding the impact of different delivery types on PFD is crucial for postpartum care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between delivery type and pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) at six months postpartum.
• To compare pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function in women who underwent uncomplicated cesarean section versus vaginal delivery with episiotomy (VDE).

Main Methods:

• Case-control study involving 260 primigravida women.
• Evaluation included PFM strength and endurance, intravaginal pressure, electromyography, and the PFDI-20 questionnaire.
• Participants were divided into uncomplicated cesarean delivery and VDE groups.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in PFM dysfunction, electrical activity, strength, endurance, and vaginal pressure were observed between groups.
• Women who underwent uncomplicated cesarean delivery demonstrated better pelvic floor outcomes.
• Severity of PFD was lower in the cesarean delivery group compared to the VDE group.

Conclusions:

• Uncomplicated cesarean section is associated with a lower severity of PFD compared to VDE.
• Vaginal delivery with episiotomy (VDE) may lead to pelvic floor muscle injury.
• Findings suggest mode of delivery significantly impacts long-term pelvic floor health.