The evaluation of the effect of vaginal delivery and aging on anal sphincter anatomy and function

Abstract Objective This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of vaginal delivery and aging on anal sphincter anatomy and function. Method Asymptomatic thirty women were included in this prospective study. Group 1 included 10 women (age range: 18–50) who had never been pregnant. Group 2 included 10 women (age range: 18–50) who had vaginal delivery. Group 3 included 10 women over 50 who had vaginal delivery. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the three groups in terms of resting and squeeze pressures. It was found that sphincter thickness showed statistically significant difference between the group 1 and group 3, and also group 2 and group 3. There was not statistically significant difference between the group 1 and group 2 in terms of sphincter thickness. There was a positive correlation between the age and sphincter thickness in all groups. In terms of sphincter thickness and pressure findings there was a positive correlation between the squeeze pressure and external anal sphincter thickness only in group 3. Conclusion The vaginal delivery did not have a negative influence on the structure and function of the anal sphincter in asymptomatic women. However, it was found that anal sphincter thickness changed strongly in a positive manner with aging.