Abstract
AIM:
To assess the importance of birth history in subsequent pelvic floor function.
PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Between 1996 and 2006 the outcomes of 10,125 patients were evaluated and patients were divided into the following categories: vaginal deliveries, caesarian sections, or both caesarian section and vaginal delivery. Based on self-reported pregnancy and delivery experience, the patients were classified as having delivered 5 years (group A), 5-20 years (group B), and over 20 years before (group C). Epidemiology of Prolapse and Incontinence Questionnaire (EPIQ) was used with questions about agreement or disagreement regarding the history of their delivery. The statistical analysis was performed with chi-squared test applied to a contingency table (2x2) and P value <0.001 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS:
The comparison between agreement and disagreement abou t specific modality of delivery failed to demonstrate significant difference in the first group while in the second and third group the difference was statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS:
Disorders of the pelvic floor depend mainly on modality of delivery. Anatomic and functional alterations influence both the choice of the patients and their positive or negative perceptions of the birth experience. Pelvic floor disorders depend on many risk factors, but vaginal delivery seems to be one of the most important.
Keywords: Perineal damage; Pelvic floor; Quality of life; Caesarean section; Delivery.
