Pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary and colorectal distress incidence and relationship to quality of life and birth mode

Purpose: To determine the incidence/impact of pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary and colorectal distress and quality of life by birth mode for women in the chronic postpartum period. Study Design: Cross-sectional correlational design utilizing purposive sampling of (n=21) female postpartum subjects ages 18-45. Background: Caesarean Section (CS) incidence is reported at 32% nationwide, well above the safe rate of 10% recommended by the World Health Organization. Literature is conflicted regarding the role of birth mode in postpartum symptoms such as pelvic pain, colorectal distress, pelvic organ prolapse, and quality of life.Methods: Data collection took place at two primary locations in the Midwest region after IRB approval from Andrews University. Each subject who agreed to volunteer for the study and met the inclusion criteria completed, (1) Health History Questionnaire, (2) SF-36, and (3) Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory. Data was collected by the co-investigators and de-identified. Analysis was completed utilizing SPSS version 21.0.Results: Incidence reports of UI were 80% in the CS group and 50% in the NVD group. The CS group reported significantly higher mean scores for PFIQb, UDI, POPDI, and CRADI compared to the NVD group. Age was negatively correlated with CRADI and pain (Chi-square=7.02, p=.030). NVD group reported a significantly higher quality of life (as measured by the SF-36) in general and mental health compared to published norms and CS (pConclusion: Our study found significant increased incidence and impact of UI, CRADI, POPDI, and PFIQb symptoms and a decrease in QOL in CS compared to NVD. Age showed significant correlation with colorectal symptoms and BMI showed significant relationship to pelvic organ prolapse. Future studies should focus on CS, age, and BMI role in postpartum symptoms.