Long-Term Impact of Mode of Delivery on Stress Urinary Incontinence

Abstract

Introduction: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) poses a significant public health concern among women,    impacting their quality of life physically, socially, and psychologically. This narrative review explores the relationship between birth method, sociodemographic factors, and postpartum SUI in primiparous women. Numerous studies have investigated the prevalence of SUI among primiparous women, with varying estimates reported. While the mode of delivery remains a subject of debate regarding its association with postpartum urinary incontinence, vaginal delivery is consistently identified as a risk factor for SUI compared to cesarean section. However, the severity of SUI and its impact on primiparous women's quality of life are influenced by factors such as age, parity, body weight, income, and neighborhood residence

Objectives:To explore the long-term impact of mode of delivery on stress urinary incontinence (SUI)

Methods:  Using electronic databases like Research Gate, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Allied Health Literature (CINHAL), the researchers thoroughly searched for pertinent studies  to conduct narrative review.

Results:Findings from studies indicate a higher prevalence of SUI among women who delivered vaginally       compared to those who underwent cesarean sections. The incidence of SUI tends to decrease over time   postpartum, but certain risk factors such as age, birth weight, and mode of delivery remain significant predictors of SUI. While SUI is not life-threatening, its debilitating effects on physical activity, travel, social relationships, and emotional well-being underscore the importance of understanding its etiology and risk factors. Healthcare professionals must be vigilant in assessing and addressing SUI in primiparous women to improve their overall quality of life

Conclusions:  Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the uncontrollably abrupt, uncomfortable leakage of urine resulting from elevated intra abdominal pressure, which thereby impacts the patient's quality of life. Laughing, sneezing, straining, coughing, or exercising are examples of physical activity that cause SUI.It is well established that SUI has an impact on how well women live their daily lives.This study highlights the fact that multiparous women had a higher prevalence of SUI than nulliparous women. Compared to cesarean deliveries, women who had repeated vaginal deliveries experience a higher frequency of urinary stress incontinence