International urogynecology journal
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Review Meta Analysis
Pregnancy, labour and delivery as risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse: a systematic review.
Pregnancy and childbirth are considered risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The long latency between obstetric events and morbidity hinders the establishment of cause-effect relationships. Recently, intermediate outcomes such as organ descent and levator avulsion (LA) have been identified. We aimed to assess the effect of obstetric events on symptoms and signs of POP and on LA. ⋯ This review confirms a strong aetiological link between vaginal birth and POP, with the first vaginal and forceps delivery being the main determinants.