Pelvic disorders influenced by pregnancy and delivery

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Pregnancy and mode of delivery are risk factors in disorders such as incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.
Pelvic floor disorders, such as stress incontinence or prolapse of the womb, are common. Around 11 per cent of women will need surgery for a pelvic floor disorder during her lifetime. However, it has not been clear what role pregnancy, mode of delivery, and age play in these. A team at the University of California now reveals that vaginal delivery does seem to be a strong factor in these problems.

They carried out the largest study to date, involving nearly 5,000 women. Seven per cent proved to have pelvic organ prolapse, 15 per cent had urinary incontinence, 13 per cent had overactive bladder and 25 per cent complained of fecal incontinence. Thirty seven per cent had one or more of these conditions regardless of whether they had given birth or not. Those who had given birth only by Cesarean section had the same rate of these conditions as those who had not given birth. Analysis of the findings suggested that of those who gave birth vaginally, 42 per cent had one or more pelvic floor disorders, compared to 27 per cent of those giving birth by Cesarean section. This does not mean that women should opt for Cesarean section for this reason - it is linked with various medical and surgical risks and so requires careful consideration.

Source
Obstetrics and Gynecology 1st June 2006

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