Pelvic Floor Dysfunction; Vaginal Laxity; Bladder Neck Descent in Parous Women
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aims to evaluate vaginal laxity and bladder neck descent in women who have given birth, using non-invasive 2D and 3D transperineal ultrasound. Participants will complete a short questionnaire about pelvic floor symptoms and undergo a pelvic examination. The ultrasound will measure bladder neck position, levator hiatus dimensions, and related pelvic floor structures at rest and during straining. The study will compare findings between women with previous vaginal deliveries and those who had cesarean sections. Participation is voluntary, and all procedures are safe, non-invasive, and similar to routine clinical practice. The results will help better understand pelvic floor changes after childbirth and may improve the management of pelvic floor disorders.
Detailed description
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common condition affecting women after childbirth, often resulting in vaginal laxity, bladder neck descent, and related pelvic floor symptoms such as urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction. This observational cross-sectional study will assess 185 parous women, aged 18 years or older, using both 2D and 3D transperineal ultrasound. Participants will complete the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 questionnaire and undergo a pelvic examination using the POP-Q system after bladder emptying. Ultrasound measurements will include bladder neck height, retrovesical angle, levator hiatal dimensions, levator ani muscle integrity, and other related parameters at rest and during Valsalva maneuver. Women will be categorized based on mode of delivery (vaginal vs cesarean) and results will be analyzed to determine correlations between pelvic floor anatomy and symptom severity. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of pelvic floor alterations in parous women, which may inform clinical assessment and management strategies for pelvic floor dysfunction.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Assiut University
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Parous women aged 18 years or older * Willing to provide informed consent * Able to complete the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 questionnaire * Undergo 2D and 3D transperineal ultrasound and POP-Q examination
Exclusion criteria
* Pregnant women * History of previous prolapse surgery * Patients with neurological disorders affecting pelvic floor function
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Levator Hiatal Area | Measured once during ultrasound assessment after bladder emptying | Levator hiatal area will be measured using 2D and 3D transperineal ultrasound in the midsagittal plane. Measurements will be taken at rest and during maximal Valsalva maneuver to assess pelvic floor anatomy in parous women and compare between vaginal delivery and cesarean section groups. |
Contacts
CONTACTOla Abd El Hares Mahros Ali resistant Obstetrics & Gynecology Department Assiut University
Outcome results
None listed