Current diagnosis and treatment algorithms for anal incontinence

[14]. These occult lacerations also result in AI symptoms. Caesarean delivery does not provide complete protection, because AI symptoms can occur after planned Caesarean delivery without accompanying labour [15]. Some symptoms might be due to pregnancy itself; 8–42% of women have mild AI symptoms before their first vaginal delivery during pregnancy [13,16]. Risk factors for AI in women over reproductive age include increasing age, medical comorbidities, poor health, UI and bowel-related symptoms. Table 1 provides a comprehensive list of conditions commonly associated with AI symptoms.