Stress Urinary Incontinence After Childbirth and Some Related Factors

Background: Urinary stress incontinence (USI) has multiple physical, mental and social effects on women s lives. The problem was arises in 40% women as a major problem in daily life. The prevalence of the disease has been reported between 6-29% in various parts of the world with multiple risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of postpartum urinary USI and factors related to it.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 450 women two months after delivery. All subjects were examined by a gynecologist to determine the volume and severity of USI. Then the questionnaire consisted of demographic and fertility variables as well as questions about USI were completed. The data was analyzed by SPSS version 14.Results: The mean age of the subjects was 24.5±5.6 years, with a mean 1.9±1 pregnancy.The results showed that the frequency of USI after childbirth was 18% (81women). 81.4% of women suffer from this problem 1-2 times/ day and its severity were mostly mild or moderate. Women with USI had significantly higher age and also more parity than women without USI (p˂0.001). The occurrence of USI was also less in women with episiotomy (p˂0.001). Delivery type, birth weight, head circumference, maternal body mass index had no effect on stress incontinence. Conclusion: Given the relatively high prevalence of USI after childbirth, it is needed for further research on the identification of its risk factors to prevent this problem. Women should also be justified that cesarean section may not reduce the risk of USI

Keywords:

Urinary stress incontinence , childbirth , risk factors