Postpartum urinary incontinence in nulliparous and multiparous women

Abstract

Background: postpartum urinary incontinence is an area of growing interest at the health level because pelvic floor dysfunction caused by pregnancy and obstetric procedures leads to this condition and impacts women’s quality of life. Objective: to evaluate urinary incontinence in postpartum nulliparous and multiparous women. Methodos: this is a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study developed in the Health Center No. 2 of the city of Ambato in the province of Tungurahua, with a population of 120 nulliparous and multiparous women to whom the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Short Form ICIQ-SF. Results: 85 % of postpartum nulliparous and multiparous women presented incontinence and it was mainly due to stress (laughing 26,7 %, physical exercise 20,8 % and coughing or sneezing 14,2 %). The loss of urine was moderate (40 %) and the loss was several times a day (40 %), which significantly impacted the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Conclusion: urinary incontinence is prevalent in postpartum nulliparous and multiparous women and was related to older age and multiparity because it was more frequent in those between 31 to 42 years old and in multiparity due to genitourinary physiological changes, gynecological conditions and procedures-obstetrics affect the functionality of the pelvic floor and lead to this condition.