title: Postpartum genitourinary changes.
abstract: Genitourinary changes following childbirth and pregnancy are common, and include urinary and anal incontinence, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic organ prolapse. At present, it is unclear whether or not these changes are a result of the pregnancy itself or the mode of delivery (cesarean section or vaginal birth). In this article, the authors aim to describe genitourinary postpartum pelvic floor changes, and review the literature regarding the impact of pregnancy or childbirth on these changes. Data is needed that compare the effects of pregnancy alone, cesarean delivery (labored and unlabored), and vaginal birth, so that physicians can better advise patients about the postpartum genitourinary tract changes they might expect.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC10 5580, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA. rrogers@salud.unm.edu
authors.forename: Rebecca G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Rogers
authors.forename: Larry L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Leeman
mesh_terms: D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D052776:Female Urogenital Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000293:injuries; D011247:Pregnancy; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology; D016055:Urinary Retention / Q000209:etiology