Sexual function and wellbeing after obstetric anal sphincter injury

Abstract

This study investigated women's problems and pains five years after an anal sphincter injury was received during birth, and the impact this might have on women's sexual life and wellbeing. The study was conducted in 2000 at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the Ryhov County Hospital in Jonkoping, Sweden. Five years after giving birth, 51 women who had experienced a third-degree tear and 50 women without such perineal tear were given a questionnaire. The response rate was 38 out of the 51 women with third-degree tear (75%) and 34 out of the 50 women without a perineal tear (68%). Women with third-degree tear have significantly more difficulties when doing physical exercise and in their sexual life, which is also resumed later. They more often refrain from or are hesitant about further pregnancies. Anal incontinence is present in 40% of these women and perineal complaints persisted for an extended period. Lack of information concerning the sphincter injury was reported by 40% of the women.