Three-dimensional transperineal ultrasound: is there a correlation among age, weight, delivery mode, and a change in the pelvic floor architecture in Korean premenopausal women?

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphological characteristics and related factors of changes to the female pelvic floor architecture during rest and the Valslva maneuver using three-dimensional (3D) transperineal ultrasonography (TPUS) in parous women. Materials and Methods: One hundred thirty-five premenopausal parous women (aged 29-50 years) were evaluated. The pelvic floor structures were measured during rest and during the Valsalva maneuver using 3D TPUS. Results: The delivery mode was an important affecting factor in determining the change of contractility of pelvic floor architecture. The factors of age and weight were associated with changes in the anus. Conclusion: The delivery mode might be a meaningful factor in the change of contractility of pelvic floor architecture. These measurements provide a baseline upon which further investigations in a larger cohort of subjects can be compared, to determine the range and change of the normal appearance of the specific pelvic structures.