Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Postpartum Nepalese Women: An Observational Study

Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions (PFD) have been strongly associated with vaginal birth and can significantly affect women's quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PFDs during the postpartum period and its impact on women's daily activities.

A hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 747 primiparous women at 9-12 months postpartum, who had delivered term live baby from July to September 2021. The different components of PFD were evaluated using a Nepali translated version of PFDI-20 and the impact on sexual function by BFLUTS questionnaire. The primary outcome was women's self-reported occurrence of urinary, prolapse, defecatory and sexual problems. The impact on women's daily activities was secondary outcomes. Data were analyzed by Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient.

Among 747 primiparous women, 194 (25.97%) had pelvic floor dysfunction. The mean age was 23.01±3.6 years, with 94 (48.45%) of PFD cases aged 20-24 years. Stress urinary incontinence was reported by 103 (53.09%), pelvic heaviness by 48 (24.74%), straining during defecation by 23 (11.86%), and dyspareunia by 54 (27.84%). Most women 137 (70.61%) reported no impact on daily life, and 18 (2.40%) were aware of pelvic floor muscle training.

Pelvic floor dysfunction affected a notable proportion of primiparous women, with urinary, prolapse-related, colorectal, and sexual symptoms. Most affected women were young, and labour characteristics such as spontaneous onset, vaginal delivery, and shorter second stage were common.