Compartment-Specific Associations Between Perineal Body Length and Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Postpartum Women
摘要
Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is common after childbirth, but the role of perineal body dimensions in compartment-specific prolapse remains unclear. To investigate the association between perineal body length and various types of pelvic floor dysfunction in postpartum women, with emphasis on compartment-specific effects.
MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 182 women assessed 30–90 days postpartum at a specialized pelvic floor clinic. Trained examiners measured perineal body length; outcomes assessed were anterior/posterior wall prolapse, uterine prolapse, stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and pelvic floor muscle weakness. Multivariable logistic regression (adjusted for age, pre-pregnancy BMI, delivery mode, postpartum days) was performed. Examiners were partially blinded.
ResultsPerineal body length showed compartment-specific prolapse associations: longer length was inversely associated with posterior wall prolapse (OR 0.544, 95% CI 0.313–0.943, P = 0.030) but positively associated with anterior wall prolapse (OR 3.558, 95% CI 1.133–11.167, P = 0.030; exploratory due to a few non-cases and wide CIs). No significant associations were observed with SUI, muscle weakness, or uterine prolapse. Sensitivity analysis including 16 additional women assessed after 90 days (total n = 198) showed consistent results.
ConclusionsPerineal body length is differentially associated with anterior and posterior prolapse, reflecting compartment-specific pelvic floor support. The cross-sectional design and lack of pre-delivery measurements mean findings are associative (not causal) and should be validated in larger prospective studies.