Effect of episiotomy on pelvic floor muscle strength and pelvic floor rehabilitation in improving pelvic floor function

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of routine episiotomy and non-episiotomy on pelvic function and evaluate the effect of pelvic floor rehabilitation in improving pelvic floor function. Methods The healthy nulliparous women who delivered naturally and taking pelvic floor rehabilitation training at our Hospital from January to August, 2015 were collected. Their pelvic floor conditions were evaluated 6 weeks after delivery. And they took pelvic floor rehabilitation treatment. Results 123 women were included into the study and divided into an episiotomy group (n=59) and a non-episiotomy group (n=64). The voltages of muscle fiber Ⅰ and Ⅱ were lower in the episiotomy group than in the non-episiotomy, and were higher after than before the treatment in both groups (P 0.05). Conclusions Episiotomy affects pelvic floor function. Pelvic floor rehabilitation treatment can improve the pelvic floor muscle strength. Key words: Pelvic floor dysfunction; Episiotomy; Pelvic floor function