ABSTRACT

Urinary and anal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, perineal pain and reduction in pelvic floor muscle strength and function can occur after delivery as a result of damage to the pelvic structures. Debate is open on risk factors, prevalence and management of pelvic postpartum dysfunctions. In Italy few centers offer a specific management of obstetric pelvic injuries and often the treatment of these dysfunctions relies on the willingness of single professionals. Moreover there is often inadequate communication between the birth center and professionals who take care of the woman during the puerperal phase and most women are poorly, or not at all, informed about postpartum pelvic dysfunctions, their evolution and treatment opportunities. To face these problems the Italian Society of Urodynamics, continence neurourology and pelvic floor (SIUD) has established a specific committee. Starting from existing experiences, the group has created a recording tool aiming at standardizing women pelviperineal assessment in the postpartum period and selecting women who need to be addressed to conservative treatment. This tool has been named “SIUD delivery & pelvic dysfunctions card” and is presented here.