Hypothesis / aims of study
Objectives:
Pelvic floor dysfunctions are frequently seen in pregnancy due to the physiological changes, which may include urinary and fecal/flatal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction and pelvic pain.
The primary aim of this study is to find a correlation between the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunctions in pregnant women and transperineal ultrasonography parameters. Secondary aims are to determine the risk factors for pelvic floor dysfunctions and also to identify the relationship between these risk factors with pelvic floor muscle strength and transperineal ultrasonography findings.
Study design, materials and methods
Materials and Methods:
49 pregnant women recruited in the study, were asked to fill questionnaires (Short Form 36, Female Sexual Function Index, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory and Incontinence Impact Questionaire) , examined for pelvic floor muscle strength (digital assessment using modified Oxford Scale and PERFECT scheme) and underwent transperineal ultrasonography. Bladder neck descent, pubovisseralis muscle thickness, bladder detrussor muscle thickness and hiatal area during rest, Valsalva Manoeuvre and pelvic contraction were measured.
Results
Results:
Age, body mass index, gestational week and birth weight are positively correlated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) incidence (p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.01 and p=0,04 respectively). Pelvic floor muscle strength is negatively correlated with SUI incidence (p=0.001). The hiatal area value at rest, Valsalva Manoeuvre and pelvic contraction are positively correlated with SUI incidence (p=0,018, p=0,006 and p=0,003 respectively). Sexual dysfunction is seen in 71.4% and 43% of women don’t engage in coitus at all during pregnancy. Age is positively correlated with sexual dysfunction incidence (p=0.026). Pelvic floor muscle strength is negatively correlated with sexual dysfunction incidence (p=0.001). Sexual dysfunction is more common in the lower education group (p=0.029). The hiatal area value at rest, Valsalva Manoeuvre and pelvic contraction are positively correlated with sexual dysfunction incidence (p=0,033, p=0,023 and p=0,041 respectively). Detrusor muscle thickness is positively correlated with urge urinary incontinence incidence (p=0,012).
Interpretation of results
Discussion:
Risk factors for pelvic floor dysfunctions in pregnancy are found to be age, body mass index, gestational week, parity, delivery method and birth weight of the previous delivery. Detrusor muscle thickness, hiatal area value at rest, Valsalva Manoeuvre and pelvic contraction on transperineal ultrasound are found to be associated with greater pelvic floor dysfunction incidence in pregnancy.