Assessment of the Prevalence of Pelvic Floor Disorders in Both Vaginal and Cesarean Deliveries and Their Impact on the Quality of Life

Abstract

Background: Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) occurring in women comprises a broad range of clinical scenarios such as pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Aim of the work: The objectives of the present study were to estimate differences in the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders (POP & SUI) in Egyptian women by mode of delivery and their impact on patients’ quality of life using assessment questionnaire. Materials and Methods: This observational (non-interventional) cohort study was conducted on 464 parous women from the gynecologic out-patient clinic of Ain Shams Maternity University Hospital for measuring the prevalence of POP and UI regards the mode of delivery in women delivered 5 years back or more and its impact on the quality of their lives. Pelvic organ support was assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification method (POP-Q), and pelvic floor symptoms were evaluated using assessment questionnaire. Results: Our study found that compared to Cesarean Section (CS; 32.8%), vaginal delivery (VD) was associated with statistically significant increase in the occurrence (43.5%) and severity (Moderate-to-severe UI [39.6% in VD vs. 10.5% in CS]) of UI especially SUI (VD vs. CS: 62.4% vs. 51.3%). Vaginal delivery was associated with more than double the occurrence of POP (19.4% vs. 8.2% in CS), and more than triple the concomitant occurrence of both POP and SUI (9.9% vs. 2.6% in CS). Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between the mode of delivery - as an independent factor - and the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders (both pelvic organs prolapse & urinary incontinence) in parous women.