Analysis of the Multifactorial Risks of Postpartum Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Urology
• Public Health

Background:

• Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent pelvic floor disorder post-childbirth.
• It stems from hormonal shifts, childbirth-related anatomical damage, and weakened pelvic floor structures.
• UI subtypes include stress (SUI), urgency (UUI), and mixed (MUI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize research on risk factors for postpartum UI.
• To inform scientists and clinicians for improved prevention, identification, and management strategies.
• To provide an updated overview of contemporary postpartum UI risk factors.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Utilized PECO eligibility criteria for study selection.
• Searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus for studies published between 2019 and 2025.

Main Results:

• Identified 36 relevant studies from 1321 initial citations.
• Key risk factors include vaginal/instrumental delivery, obesity, advanced maternal age, and high neonate birth weight.
• Multiparity and pre-existing incontinence symptoms during pregnancy were also significant risk factors.

Conclusions:

• Postpartum UI significantly impacts women's social participation, family roles, and work capacity.
• Prioritizing UI type detection, lifestyle adjustments, weight management, and pelvic floor muscle exercises is essential.
• Developing prognostic models is vital for early identification and management of at-risk women.