The association between postpartum perineal laceration with anatomy and pelvic floor muscle strength

Background: Perineal lacerations damage the tissues around the vagina and rectum and can cause disruption of the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor. The incidence of perineal lacerations after vaginal delivery ranges from 53-89%. This anatomical damage and muscle dysfunction can cause urinary incontinence, anal incontinence, and uterovaginal prolapse. This study aims to evaluate the effects of postpartum perineal lacerations on the anatomy and strength of the pelvic floor muscles. Methods: The sample of this study is primiparous women who experienced perineal lacerations. Sampling was carried out prospectively using the consecutive sampling method. Pelvic floor anatomy and strength were measured using a POP-Q system and a perineometer. The 1st and 2nd degree laceration group measurements will be compared using the chi-square, and Mann-Whitney tests will be carried out. Results: Of the 123 research samples that met the criteria, a significant difference was found in the strength of the pelvic floor muscles in the first-degree perineal laceration and second-degree perineal laceration groups at 1st day and 12 weeks postpartum (p = 0.000 and p = 0.042). The only significant difference found for pelvic floor muscle anatomy is in perineal body length at 12 weeks postpartum. Conclusion: The degree of perineal laceration is related to the strength of the pelvic floor muscles after delivery and the length of the perineal body 12 weeks postpartum.