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Postpartum impairment of pelvic floor muscle function: factors involved and association with prolapse

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

The aim of this study is to assess factors involved in the impairment of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function from antepartum to 6 months postpartum. We also investigated whether reduced PFM strength was associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) postpartum.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study including 319 primigravid women delivered vaginally. PFM function was assessed in pregnant women at term and 6 months postpartum by digital palpation and perineometry. Prolapse was explored using the POP quantification (POP-Q) system.

Results

Instrumental delivery, larger newborn head circumference, and older maternal age were independent risk factors for impaired PFM function postpartum. Women with POP-Q stage ≥II postpartum had a significant decrease in PFM strength with respect to the antepartum period, and lower PFM strength than women without such prolapse.

Conclusions

Both constitutional and obstetric factors are involved in impairment of PFM function postpartum. Reduced PFM strength is associated with prolapse in the postpartum period.

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Acknowledgements

This study is part of a research project supported by Health Research Fund (FIS) of the Carlos III Health Institute of the Spanish Ministry of Health (PI070261).

Conflicts of interest

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Donostia Hospital, San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain

    Irene Diez-Itza, Miren Arrue, Larraitz Ibañez, Jone Paredes & Arantzazu Murgiondo

  2. IIS Biodonostia, Donostia Hospital, San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain

    Cristina Sarasqueta

  3. CIBERESP, Barcelona, Spain

    Cristina Sarasqueta

  4. Camino de Marbil Nº 22, 4º D, 20008, San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain

    Irene Diez-Itza

  5. Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Edificio Materno-Infantil, Hospital Donostia, Paseo Beguiristain, 107–115, 20014, San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain

    Irene Diez-Itza

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  1. Irene Diez-Itza
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  2. Miren Arrue
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  3. Larraitz Ibañez
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  6. Cristina Sarasqueta
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Correspondence to Irene Diez-Itza.

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Diez-Itza, I., Arrue, M., Ibañez, L. et al. Postpartum impairment of pelvic floor muscle function: factors involved and association with prolapse. Int Urogynecol J 22, 1505–1511 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-011-1484-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-011-1484-2

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