Abstract
We sought to define changes in vaginal distensibility (VD) induced by pregnancy and vaginal delivery using a novel in vivo biomechanical testing protocol. Under sedation, a balloon was inserted into the vagina of 27 virgin, pregnant and 4-week postpartum Long-Evans rats and incrementally distended. Pressure-volume curves were generated with slopes characterizing VD (higher slope = less distensible). One-way ANOVA with a Bonferroni post-hoc test were used for statistical analyses. Mean pressures at an infusion volume of 1 cc were lower in pregnant and postpartum rats than in virgins (P < 0.001). VD was increased in pregnant vs. virgin rats (P < 0.001) and did not recover to virgin levels post partum (P < 0.001). We have developed a test that measures VD in vivo under clinically relevant loading conditions. The increased VD in the late postpartum period defines a persistent change in biomechanical behavior of the vagina related to pregnancy and vaginal delivery.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
