Vaginal or Cesarean Delivery: Which Is Harder on the Pelvic Floor?

Vaginal birth was associated with higher risk for pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence 5 to 10 years postpartum.

Parous women have excess risk for pelvic disorders such as prolapse and incontinence, but the role of delivery mode is unknown. Researchers conducted a longitudinal cohort study in 1011 women (median age at enrollment, 39.5; 72% multiparous) who gave birth at a single U.S. teaching hospital; 5 to 10 years after delivery, participants were evaluated for symptoms of pelvic floor disorders and evidence of prolapse as identified by gynecologic examination.

Stress urinary and anal incontinence were each reported by 11% of women. Although prolapse to or beyond the hymen was noted in 7% of women, only 3% reported bothersome symptoms. Compared with cesarean delivery without labor, spontaneous and operative vaginal birth were associated with signific…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Vaginal or Cesarean Delivery: Which Is Harder on the Pelvic Floor?

Topics

Reviewing Author