Effect of vulvovaginal estrogen on sensorimotor response of the lower genital tract: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of vulvovaginal estrogen on mucocutaneous sensory threshold and circumvaginal motor strength. METHODS: Thirty-nine postmenopausal, hypoestrogenic women with mixed lower-genitourinary-tract complaints were placed in four masked treatment arms by permuted-block randomization for 6 weeks. One group received topical estradiol (E2) cream and pelvic muscle biofeedback training, the second received topical E2 cream and sham biofeedback, the third received placebo cream and pelvic muscle biofeedback training, and the fourth received placebo cream and sham biofeedback. Circumvaginal muscle strength was measured by averaging maximum intravaginal pressure (mmHg) generated over a set of four pelvic muscle contractions. Absolute changes in von Frey threshold (mN) and maximum intravaginal pressure (mmHg) over 4 and 6 weeks were reported as summary measures. Of 39 subjects, 30 completed the study. RESULTS: Topical estradiol cream significantly improved mechanical sensitivity of the vulvar vestibule to von Frey hairs, a -1.2-mN threshold decrease at 4 weeks (F = 10.29; P = .004), and a -1.6-mN threshold decrease at 6 weeks (F = 8.24; P = .009) compared with placebo cream. Stratification by age showed significantly greater improvement in mechanical sensitivity in the older (70-79 years) age group randomized to estrogen cream and a -5.49-mN threshold reduction (F = 17.65; P = .002). Maximum intravaginal pressures during circumvaginal muscle contraction did not differ between estrogen and placebo cream users (F = 0.00; P = .99). CONCLUSION: Improved sensation to mechanical stimuli can result from a rapidly acting, direct effect of topical E2 cream on the vulvar vestibule.     

Stress urinary incontinence: effect of pelvic muscle exercise

Twenty women with stress urinary incontinence diagnosed by urodynamic testing participated in a 6-week pelvic muscle exercise program. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the exercise program, with or without an intravaginal balloon, on urinary leakage as determined by a 30-minute and a 24-hour pad test. Relative strength of the pelvic muscles was evaluated using an intravaginal device that measures the pressure generated during a muscle contraction. After completion of the exercise program, 18 of the 20 subjects had an increase in strength of the pelvic floor muscles, as demonstrated by increased intravaginal pressure or a decrease in urinary loss on the 24-hour pad test. The use of an intravaginal balloon did not improve performance of the pelvic muscles or decrease urinary loss as compared with the subjects who exercised without an intravaginal balloon. Twelve months after the completion of the exercise program, 19 of the participants responded to a questionnaire about their urinary loss and performance of pelvic muscle exercises. None of the subjects stated that her urinary loss was worse, three had undergone surgical intervention, and ten had not continued to exercise. Seven subjects still exercised, with subjective improvement of urinary loss. It appears that pelvic muscle exercises may be successful in improving the condition of stress urinary incontinence; however, half of the subjects did not continue to exercise independently.     

Botulinum toxin type A for chronic pain and pelvic floor spasm in women: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To estimate whether botulinum toxin type A is more effective than placebo at reducing pain and pelvic floor pressure in women with chronic pelvic pain and pelvic floor muscle spasm. METHODS: This study was a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. All participants presented with chronic pelvic pain of more than 2 years duration and evidence of pelvic floor muscle spasm. Thirty women had 80 units of botulinum toxin type A injected into the pelvic floor muscles, and 30 women received saline. Dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dyschezia, and nonmenstrual pelvic pain were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline and then monthly for 6 months. Pelvic floor pressures were measured by vaginal manometry. RESULTS: There was significant change from baseline in the botulinum toxin type A group for dyspareunia (VAS score 66 versus 12; chi2 = 25.78, P < .001) and nonmenstrual pelvic pain (VAS score 51 versus 22; chi2 = 16.98, P = .009). In the placebo group only dyspareunia was significantly reduced from baseline (64 versus 27; chi2 = 2.98, P = .043). There was a significant reduction in pelvic floor pressure (centimeters of H2O) in the botulinum toxin type A group from baseline (49 versus 32; chi2 = 39.53, P < .001), with the placebo group also having lower pelvic floor muscle pressures (44 versus 39; chi2 = 19.85, P = .003). CONCLUSION: Objective reduction of pelvic floor spasm reduces some types of pelvic pain. Botulinum toxin type A reduces pressure in the pelvic floor muscles more than placebo. Botulinum toxin type A may be a useful agent in women with pelvic floor muscle spasm and chronic pelvic pain who do not respond to conservative physical therapy. Clinical Trial Registration: Australian Clinical Trials Registry, http://www.actr.org.au/, ACTRN012605000515695 LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.     

Effect of pelvic muscle exercise on transient incontinence during pregnancy and after birth

Objective: To test the effect of pelvic muscle exercise on postpartum symptoms of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic muscle strength in primigravidas during pregnancy and postpartum.Methods: A prospective trial randomized women into treatment (standardized instruction in pelvic muscle exercise) or control (routine care with no systematic pelvic muscle exercise instruction). Urinary incontinence symptoms were measured by questionnaire. Pelvic muscle strength was quantified by an instrumented gynecologic speculum. Time points were 20 and 35 weeks' gestation and 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum.Results: Outcomes are reported for 46 women with vaginal or cesarean birth and for a subsample of 37 women with vaginal birth. Longitudinal analyses are reported for cases with complete data across time points. Diminished urinary incontinence symptoms were seen in the treatment group, with significant treatment effects demonstrated at 35 weeks' gestation (F [1,43] = 4.36, P = .043), 6 weeks postpartum (F [1,43] = 4.94, P = .032), and 6 months postpartum (F [1,43] = 4.29, P = .044). A repeated measures analysis of variance showed a significant interaction between time and treatment for urinary incontinence (F [4, 41] = 2.83, P = .037). A significant effect of initial pelvic muscle strength was demonstrated; ie, pelvic muscle strength at 20 weeks' gestation predicted significantly 12-months postpartum strength (F [1, 13] = 8.12, P = .014). Group differences in pelvic muscle strength were observed (the treatment group had greater strength at 6 weeks and at 6 months postpartum than did controls), but these differences were not statistically significant.Conclusion: Practice of pelvic muscle exercise by primiparas results in fewer urinary incontinence symptoms during late pregnancy and postpartum.     

Does regular exercise including pelvic floor muscle training prevent urinary and anal incontinence during pregnancy? A randomised controlled trial

Please cite this paper as: Stafne S, Salvesen K, Romundstad P, Torjusen I, M?rkved S. Does regular exercise including pelvic floor muscle training prevent urinary and anal incontinence during pregnancy? A randomised controlled trial. BJOG 2012;119:1270-1280. Objective To assess whether pregnant women following a general exercise course, including pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), were less likely to report urinary and anal incontinence in late pregnancy than a group of women receiving standard care. Design A two-armed, two-centred randomised controlled trial. Setting Trondheim University Hospital (St. Olavs Hospital) and Stavanger University Hospital, in Norway. Population A total of 855 women were included in this trial. Methods The intervention was a 12-week exercise programme, including PFMT, conducted between 20 and 36?weeks of gestation. One weekly group session was led by physiotherapists, and home exercises were encouraged at least twice a week. Controls received regular antenatal care. Main outcome measures Self-reported urinary and anal incontinence after the intervention period (at 32-36?weeks of gestation). Results Fewer women in the intervention group reported any weekly urinary incontinence (11 versus 19%, P?=?0.004). Fewer women in the intervention group reported faecal incontinence (3 versus 5%), but this difference was not statistically significant (P?=?0.18). Conclusions The present trial indicates that pregnant women should exercise, and in particular do PFMT, to prevent and treat urinary incontinence in late pregnancy. Thorough instruction is important, and specific pelvic floor muscle exercises should be included in exercise classes for pregnant women. The preventive effect of PFMT on anal incontinence should be explored in future trials.     

Testing and training of the pelvic floor muscles after childbirth

In a prospective study of 83 women, two different physiotherapy methods for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles after childbirth were evaluated. The training program was carried out by the patients at home for 12 weeks, starting 8 weeks after spontaneous uneventful delivery. Forty-two women did pelvic floor exercises in accordance with the method presented by Kegel. Forty-one women used standard vaginal cones with weights increasing in 10 g stages from 20 to 100 g, to be retained in the vagina both when standing erect and moving. Pelvic floor muscle strength, defined as the weight in grams of the heaviest cone that could be retained in the vagina, was recorded before and after the 12-week training period. Training with vaginal cones produced significantly better pelvic floor muscle strength than did exercise without cones.     

Vaginal electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor: a randomized feasibility study in urinary incontinent elderly women

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effectiveness of intravaginal electrical stimulation (ES) of the pelvic floor for urinary incontinence in elderly women, and to determine whether ES of the pelvic floor is a preferable treatment for urinary incontinence in elderly women. METHODS: Postmenopausal women (age 65 years or older) were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial and underwent every-other-day ES of the pelvic floor, or a daily Kegel exercise (KE) program. Objective outcome variables were: (1) Urinary leakage (during a standardized PAD test), (2) pelvic muscle strength (measured by a perineometer), and (3) detrusor instability (on ambulant urodynamic registration). Subjective outcome variables were women's subjective assessment of change in urinary symptoms based on the PRAFAB score. Twenty-four women treated with ES and 11 women treated with Kegel exercises completed the 8-week study program. The Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: No significant improvement in objective outcome variables was observed in the population treated with ES compared with the population treated with KE (with 29.2% vs. 36.4% of the women showing objective improvement in measured urinary leakage). Neither was subjective improvement significant, with 29.2% vs. 27.3% of the women reporting improvement in the amount of urinary leakage. CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of enrolled women was very small this study shows that: 1. Treating elderly women with vaginal ES of the pelvic floor has a high physical and emotional cost for the individual. 2. The effectiveness of ES of the pelvic floor in urinary incontinent elderly women is low. 3. There is no great discrepancy between objective amelioration (PAD test) and subjective amelioration (PRAFAB score/quantity of urinary leakage), if the objective improvement is adequately defined. 4. It is not reasonable to advise elderly women with urinary incontinence to undertake this treatment procedure. The effectiveness of treatment does not compensate for the long-lasting and intense treatment protocol. 5. We terminated this study because of the negative outcome with ES.     

Pilot study of botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain associated with spasm of the levator ani muscles

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX) injected into the levator ani muscles of women with objective pelvic floor muscle spasm decreases pain symptoms and improves quality of life. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Outpatient clinic in a tertiary referral centre, Sydney, Australia. SAMPLE: Twelve women, aged 18-55 years, with objective pelvic floor muscle hypertonicity and a minimum 2-year history of chronic pelvic pain were recruited. METHODS: All women completed visual analog scale pain assessments; questionnaires relating to bladder and bowel symptoms and quality of life; and specific examinations. Forty units of BOTOX at three different dilutions were given bilaterally into the puborectalis and pubococcygeus muscles under conscious sedation. RESULTS: Median visual analog scale scores were significantly improved for dyspareunia (80 vs 28; P=0.01) and dysmenorrhea (67 vs 28; P=0.03), with non-significant reductions in non-menstrual pelvic pain (64 vs 37) and dyschesia (47 vs 29). Pelvic floor muscles manometry showed a 37% reduction in resting pressure at week 4 and a 25% reduction was maintained at week 12 (P <0.0001). Quality of life scores (EQ-5D and SF-12) were improved from baseline at week 12, but did not reach statistical significance. Sexual activity scores were markedly improved, with a significant reduction in discomfort (4.8 vs 2.2; P=0.02) and improvement in habit (0.2 vs 1.9; P=0.03). These results were not influenced by dilution. CONCLUSION: There is evidence from the present pilot study suggesting that women with pelvic floor muscles hypertonicity and pelvic pain may respond to BOTOX injections into the pelvic floor muscles. Further research into this novel treatment of chronic pelvic pain is strongly recommended.     

Urinary incontinence in the 12-month postpartum period

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and severity of urinary incontinence in the 12-month postpartum period and to relate this incontinence to several potential risk factors including body mass index, smoking, oral contraceptives, breast-feeding, and pelvic floor muscle exercise. METHODS: Participants were 523 women, aged 14 to 42 years, who had obstetrical deliveries. The women were interviewed in their rooms on postpartum day 2 or 3 and by telephone 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum. Chart abstraction was conducted to obtain obstetrical data from the index delivery. RESULTS: At 6 weeks postpartum, 11.36% of women reported some degree of urinary incontinence since the index delivery. Although the rate of incontinence did not change significantly over the postpartum year, frequency of accidents decreased over time. In the generalized estimating equation, postpartum incontinence was significantly associated with seven variables: baseline report of smoking (odds ratio [OR] 2.934; P =.002), incontinence during pregnancy (OR 2.002; P =.007), length of breast-feeding (OR 1.169; P =.023), vaginal delivery (OR 2.360; P =.002), use of forceps (OR 1.870; P =.024), and two time-varying covariates: frequency of urination (OR 1.123; P = <.001) and body mass index (OR 1.055; P =.005). Factors not associated with postpartum incontinence included age, race, education, episiotomy, number of vaginal deliveries, attendance at childbirth preparation classes, and performing pelvic floor muscle exercises during the postpartum period. CONCLUSION: Postpartum incontinence is associated with several risk factors, some of which are potentially modifiable and others that can help target at-risk women for early intervention.     

The effect of home biofeedback training on stress incontinence

BACKGROUND: To compare the effectiveness of pelvic floor training (PFT) with the aid of a home biofeedback device to PFT alone for urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women after a 1-year follow-up. METHODS: A randomized study comparing two conservative interventions was conducted in an outpatient clinic of a university hospital. Thirty-five consecutive women were randomized to either the PFT with home biofeedback group or the PFT alone group. The intensive training period lasted 12 weeks. After 1 year, 33 women could be evaluated according to the protocol. At the 1-year visit pelvic floor muscle activity was measured and the need for surgical intervention was evaluated. Logistic multivariate analysis was used to predict response to the PFT. RESULTS: In the home biofeedback training group 11/16 (68.8%) avoided surgery vs. 10/19 (52.6%) in the PFT alone group. The difference was not statistically significant. In the nonoperated home biofeedback group the increase in pelvic floor muscle activity (p = 0.005 in supine, p = 0.005 in standing) and the decrease in leakage index (p = 0.05) was significant after 12 weeks and pelvic floor activity remained constant. By contrast, in the nonoperated PFT group the increase in pelvic floor muscle activity after 12 weeks predicted a good result for conservative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This randomized controlled trial suggests that the home biofeedback method in PFT has a good success rate of 68.8%. The change achieved in leakage index after 12 weeks of training predicted an effective outcome for conservative treatment.     

Randomized controlled trial on the effect of pelvic floor muscle training on quality of life and sexual problems in genuine stress incontinent women

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercise on quality of life, lifestyle and sex-life variables in genuine stress incontinent women. METHODS: Fifty-nine women with clinically and urodynamically proven genuine stress incontinence were randomized to either pelvic floor muscle exercise or an untreated control group. The intervention group was asked to perform 8-12 close to maximum contractions in 3 series per day. In addition they were exercising 45 minutes per week in groups. The intervention period was 6 months, and the women in the exercise group met once a month for individual assessment of pelvic floor muscle strength and motivation. Outcome measures were the Norwegian version of the Quality of Life Scale (QoLS-N) and the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (B-FLUTS) questionnaire. RESULTS: The results showed that general quality of life measured by the generic quality of life questionnaire was not much affected by urinary incontinence. However, the disease specific questionnaire demonstrated that ability to participate in physical activity and some sex-life variables were affected by the condition. There was a statistically significant (p<0.01) reduction in number of women having problems with sex-life, social life, and physical activity in the exercise group after six months of pelvic floor muscle exercise. CONCLUSION: Pelvic floor muscle exercise showed some effect on quality of life and sex-life variables.     

Muscular fatigue in the pelvic floor muscles after strenuous physical activity

BACKGROUND: It is not clear why young nulliparous women may leak urine during exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate whether strenuous physical activity can produce pelvic floor muscle fatigue. METHODS: Participants in this crossover study included 12 nulliparous women with mild symptoms of stress urinary incontinence during strenuous physical activity. Participants were randomized to start with either the intervention (a 90-min interval training program) or the control period (rest in sitting position for 90 min). Maximal voluntary contraction pressure (cm H(2)O), vaginal resting pressure (cm H(2)O), and holding time (s) were measured before and after intervention and rest by a fiberoptic microtip transducer connected to a balloon catheter inserted into the vagina. RESULTS: Mean age of the group was 24 years (+/-1.7). The mean maximal voluntary contraction pressure decreased 20% (+/-24.4) after physical activity. The mean difference in maximal voluntary contraction pressure was significantly larger after physical activity than after rest (-4.4 versus 0.6 cm H(2)O difference, respectively, p<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in resting pressure or holding time. CONCLUSIONS: In young nulliparous women with symptoms of mild stress urinary incontinence, strenuous physical exercise results in lower maximal voluntary vaginal contraction pressure, indicating pelvic floor muscle fatigue. Further research is needed to understand the long-term impact of this finding.     

Pelvic floor function and anatomy after childbirth

OBJECTIVE: To investigate pelvic floor muscle function and anatomy after childbirth in continent women differing in obstetric history. STUDY DESIGN: Young, continent women, age range 20-40 years, were recruited into 3 groups: 1. elective, prelabor cesarean delivery (n =12); 2. vaginal delivery (n = 15); and 3. age-matched nulliparas as controls (n = 13). Pelvic floor muscle strength was measured by a perineometer and also assessed by vaginal palpation. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvic floor at rest and on maximal strain was performed. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 10.0 (Chicago, Illinois) for Windows (Microsoft, Redmond, Washington); p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Pelvic floor muscle strength was not different between the vaginal delivery and cesarean groups. The descent of the bladder and cervix on straining was greater in the subjects who delivered vaginally than in the cesarean delivery and nulliparous groups. There was a positive and significant correlation between the duration of labor and the area of the levator sling and also between birth weight and the descent of the cervix on straining. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that delivery method does not affect pelvic muscle strength.     

Effect of short-term diet and exercise on hormone levels and menses in obese, infertile women

OBJECTIVE: To improve serum metabolic and endocrine measures known to influence fecundity. STUDY DESIGN: Twelve infertile, obese women were enrolled in a 12-week program of diet and exercise. Subjects underwent baseline testing for estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin, fasting leptin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), C-reactive protein (CRP) and total cholesterol. Glucose and insulin levels were measured fasting and 2 hours after a 75-g glucose load. Subjects attended three 1-hour exercise sessions per week and received instructions for a 1,200- to 1,300-kcal/day diet. Serum tests and body mass index (BMI) were remeasured after 12 weeks. Intermenstrual intervals were also recorded. At 24 weeks, subjects rated compliance with diet and exercise. Main outcome measures included change in serum variables, BMI and intermenstrual interval. RESULTS: BMI, total cholesterol and E1/E2 ratio significantly decreased over 12 weeks (mean difference +/- SEM, 2.06 +/- 0.51 kg/m2, 25.91 +/- 4.33 mg/dL and 0.7 +/- 0.22, respectively). No significant differences were noted for all other measures. Ten of the 12 subjects (83%) showed menstrual improvement, with 8 becoming eumenorrheic. CONCLUSION: Favorable metabolic and menstrual changes are possible in obese, infertile women after 12 weeks of diet and exercise.     

Intravaginal electrical stimulation for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of intravaginal electrical stimulation in women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). STUDY DESIGN: Between May 2002 and February 2004, 24 women with CPP with no apparent cause were evaluated. They underwent 10 sessions of intravaginal electrical stimulation. A program for measuring chronic diffuse pain, with a frequency of 8 Hz, variation in intensity and frequency, pulse length of 1 msec, and adjustment to the bearable intensity of each individual patient (in milliamps) was utilized. Treatment consisted of 30-minute applications, 2 or 3 times per week, and the pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale before and after each session and immediately after completion of the total treatment. The women were asked to evaluate the pain 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 7 months following the end of treatment. RESULTS: Intravaginal electrical stimulation was effective in alleviating pain in women with CPP, as evaluated at the end of treatment and 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 7 months after completion of treatment (p<0.05). There were significantly fewer complaints of dyspareunia following treatment (p = 0.0005). CONCLUSION: Intravaginal electrical stimulation is effective in the alleviation of pain in women with CPP.     

Does group training during pregnancy prevent lumbopelvic pain? A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Prevention of lumbopelvic pain in pregnancy has been sparsely studied. One aim of this study was to assess if a 12-week training program during pregnancy can prevent and/or treat lumbopelvic pain. A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Trondheim University Hospital and three outpatient physiotherapy clinics. Three hundred and one healthy nulliparous women were included at 20 weeks of pregnancy and randomly allocated to a training group (148) or a control group (153). METHODS: The outcome measures were self-reported symptoms of lumbopelvic pain (once per week or more), sick leave, and functional status. Pain drawing was used to document the painful area of the body. The intervention included daily pelvic floor muscle training at home, and weekly group training over 12 weeks including aerobic exercises, pelvic floor muscle and additional exercises, and information related to pregnancy. RESULTS: At 36 weeks of gestation women in the training group were significantly less likely to report lumbopelvic pain: 65/148 (44%) versus 86/153 (56%) (p=0.03). Three months after delivery the difference was 39/148 (26%) in the training group versus 56/153 (37%) in the control group (p=0.06). There was no difference in sick leave during pregnancy, but women in the training group had significantly (p=0.01) higher scores on functional status. CONCLUSIONS: A 12-week specially designed training program during pregnancy was effective in preventing lumbopelvic pain in pregnancy.     

产后盆底肌肉训练对改善盆底功能的作用分析

目的评价产后盆底肌肉训练对盆底肌肉张力的影响及对盆底功能的作用。方法选择中山大学附属第二医院2007年1~3月收治的165例住院分娩产后6周的产妇进入研究,随机分成两组。锻炼组81例于产后6周进行1疗程盆底肌肉训练(包括生物反馈及电刺激)。对照组84例进行一般的产后健康教育。两组均于产后3个月进行一般情况问卷及国际尿失禁咨询委员会尿失禁问卷表简表(ICIQ-SF)调查,并进行盆底肌肉张力测定。产后12个月进行问卷调查及盆底肌肉张力测定和POP-Q分度,评价盆底肌肉训练的效果。结果锻炼组产后3个月、产后12个月盆底肌肉张力高于对照组。锻炼组及对照组产后3个月压力性尿失禁发生率分别为2.5%(2/81)和11.9%(10/81),两组比较P<0.05;锻炼组及对照组产后12个月压力性尿失禁发生率分别为3.7%(3/81)和11.9%(10/81),两组比较P<0.05。锻炼组及对照组产后12个月POP-QⅠ度脱垂发生率分别为33.3%(27/81)和48.8%(41/84),两组比较P<0.05。结论产后盆底肌肉训练能提高盆底肌肉张力,降低尿失禁发生率,改善阴道前壁脱垂。     

Levator ani function before and after childbirth

Objective To evaluate pelvic floor muscle strength before and after vaginal birth.
Design Prospective repeated measures study.
Setting Main district hospital.
Population Fifty-five women: 25 primiparae and 20 multiparae following vaginal birth, and 10 women following elective caesarean delivery as a control group.
Methods Pelvic muscle strength was evaluated by palpation, perineometry and perineal ultrasound before childbirth in the 36th to 42nd week of pregnancy, three to eight days postpartum and six to ten weeks postpartum.
Main outcome measures Pelvic floor muscle strength on palpation, intravaginal squeeze pressure and vesical neck elevation during squeeze.
Results Pelvic floor muscle strength is significantly reduced three to eight days postpartum in women following vaginal birth but not in women after caesarean delivery. Six to ten weeks later palpation and vesical neck elevation on perineal ultrasound do not show any significant differences to antepartum values, while intravaginal pressure on perineometry remains significantly lower in primiparae, but not in multiparae.
Conclusions Pelvic floor muscle strength is impaired shortly after vaginal birth, but for most women returns within two months.     

The Dynamic Characteristics of the Circumvaginal Muscles

Circumvaginal muscle (CVM) maximum pressure was studied as related to the postpartal period, parity, type of birth, episiotomy, age, breastfeeding, physical activity, body mass, stress urinary incontinence, and orgasm in a sample of 98 healthy postpartal and nonpostpartal women. Circumvaginal muscle pressure tracings were obtained from these women using a pressure-sensitive, intravaginal balloon device. Correlations between circumvaginal muscle maximum pressures and episiotomy, age, breastfeeding, physical activity, body mass, stress urinary incontinence, and orgasm were either not significant or only weakly significant. However, Duncan's multiple range test showed differences in the maximum pressures between groups (nulliparous, parity greater than 0, cesarean delivery, and vaginal delivery) and indicated that vaginal birth has a marked weakening effect on the circumvaginal muscles.     

A randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial of postpartum extracorporeal magnetic innervation to restore pelvic muscle strength in primiparous patients

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of extracorporeal magnetic innervation (ExMI) on pelvic muscle strength of primiparous patients. STUDY DESIGN: Primigravid patients were randomized to receive either active or sham ExMI postpartum treatments for 8 weeks. The main outcome measure was pelvic muscle strength measured by perineometry at baseline (midtrimester), 6 weeks (before treatments), 14 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum. Mixed randomized-repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the mean perineometry values between the 2 groups and across all 5 time periods. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients enrolled, and 18 were lost to attrition. There were no differences in demographics or delivery characteristics between the active and sham groups. There was an overall time effect, F(3,85) = 3.1, P = .049, but no group, F(1,31) = 0.007, P = .94, or (group)(time) interaction, F(3,85) = 1.8, P = .15. CONCLUSION: We found no differences in pelvic muscle strength between patients receiving active or sham ExMI treatments in the early postpartum period.