Cross-sectional study of early postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction and related bother in primiparous women 6-10 weeks postpartum.

• Published in: International Urogynecology Journal
• Main Authors: Sigurdardottir, Thorgerdur, Bø, Kari, Steingrimsdottir, Thora, Halldorsson, Thorhallur I, Aspelund, Thor, Geirsson, Reynir T
• Other Authors: 1Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Vatnsmýrarvegi 16, 101, Reykjavík, Iceland. [e-mail]. 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland. [e-mail]. 3Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway. 4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway. 5Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Vatnsmýrarvegi 16, 101, Reykjavík, Iceland. 6Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland. 7Faculty of Food Sciences and Nutrition, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Springer 2021
• Subjects: Anal incontinence; Childbirth; Coital pain; Pelvic organ prolapse; Primiparas; Urinary incontinence; Pelvic Pain; Postpartum Period; Fæðing; Kvensjúkdómar; Iceland
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2336/621854; https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-021-04813-y

To access publisher's full text version of this article click on the hyperlink below Introduction and hypothesis: To study the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction and related bother in primiparous women 6-10 weeks postpartum, comparing vaginal and cesarean delivery. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 721 mothers with singleton births in Reykjavik, Iceland, 2015 to 2017, using an electronic questionnaire. Information on urinary and anal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and sexual dysfunction with related bother (trouble, nuisance, worry, annoyance) was collected. Main outcome measures were prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction and related bother. Results: The overall prevalence of urinary and anal incontinence was 48% and 60%, respectively. Bother regarding urinary symptoms was experienced by 27% and for anal symptoms by 56%. Pelvic organ prolapse was noted by 29%, with less than half finding this bothersome. Fifty-five percent were sexually active, of whom 66% reported coital pain. Of all the women, 48% considered sexual issues bothersome. Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse were more prevalent in women who delivered vaginally compared to cesarean section, but no differences were observed for anal incontinence and coital pain. Compared to women with BMI < 25, obesity was a predictor for urinary incontinence after vaginal delivery (OR 1.94; 95% CI 1.20-3.14). Birthweight > 50th percentile was predictive for urgency incontinence after vaginal delivery (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.05-2.21). Episiotomy predicted more anal incontinence (OR 2.19; 95% CI 1.30-3.67). No associations between maternal and delivery characteristics were found for pelvic floor dysfunction after cesarean section. Conclusions: Bothersome pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms are prevalent among first-time mothers in the immediate postpartum period. Keywords: Anal incontinence; Childbirth; Coital pain; Pelvic organ prolapse; Primiparas; Urinary incontinence. University of Iceland Research Fund Public Health Fund, Icelandic ...