The influence of childbirth on pelvic sensory innervation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The influence of childbirth on sensory innervation of the pelvis and demonstration of a sensory component to the aetiology of pelvic floor dysfunction: a neurophysiological study
IRAS ID
158320
Contact name
Jenny Myers
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
CMFT R&D
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Childbirth is known to cause weakness of the pelvic floor muscles and this in turn can result in prolapse, incontinence of urine and faeces and sexual difficulties. These symptoms, collectively termed pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), impair the quality of life in over one third of women in the UK. Despite this and the rising economic cost to society, PFD remains a neglected area of women’s health and an important public health issue.
Studies have shown that one of the major causes of PFD is injury during childbirth to the nerves which supply the pelvic floor muscles. However, the pelvis also contains nerves which provide sensation. It is likely that sensory nerves are also damaged during childbirth, but so far only motor nerves have been studied in detail. As the motor nerve injury appears to result from childbirth, it follows that childbirth is also responsible for the sensory injury.
The study will determine whether mode of delivery during childbirth affects pelvic sensation, identify modifiable obstetric factors which influence pelvic sensation and establish if changes in sensation following childbirth correlate with PFD.
Information from the study will enable obstetricians to counsel women so they can make informed decisions about their obstetric management in light of the influence it may have on the sensation of their pelvic floor and their risk of PFD. The study will allow identification of risk factors in childbirth which can be modified to minimise damage. The results may also indicate whether different treatment options after delivery can influence recovery, as well as point to new treatment options for PFD.
From a life course perspective, the study may be used to influence policy and obstetric practice across the country. The prevention of PFD will provide improved long-term health outcomes for women and reduce the economic burden of this condition.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/1316
Date of REC Opinion
9 Oct 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion