The aim of the study was to identify the possible relationship between body mass index and intra-abdominal pressure as measured by multichannel cystometry. A retrospective chart review of patients presenting for urodynamic evaluation between January 1995 and March 1996 was carried out. Variables identified included weight, height, intra-abdominal pressure and intravesical pressure as recorded on multi-channel cystometrogram at first sensation in the absence of detrusor activity. Body mass index was defined as weight in kilograms divided by height in square meters. Intra-abdominal pressure was measured intravaginally except in those cases of complete procidentia or severe prolapse, where it was measured transrectally. Adequate data were available on 136 patients. The mean age was 60.6 years (range 30-91); mean body mass index was 27.7 kg/m2 (range 12.7-47.7); and mean intra-abdominal pressure was 27.5 cmH2O (range 9.0-48.0). A strong association between intra-abdominal pressure and body mass index was demonstrated, with a Pearson coefficient correlation value of 0.76 (P<0.0001). Strong correlation was still demonstrated when those patients who had had the intra-abdominal pressure measured transrectally were separated out, thus eliminating any possible confounding factors between measurements of intra-abdominal pressure measured transvaginally versus transrectally. In addition a strong correlation between intravesical pressure and body mass index was also demonstrated, with a Pearson coefficient correlation value of 0.71 (P<0.0001). Of the 136 patients, 65 (47.8%) were ultimately diagnosed as having genuine stress urinary incontinence (GSUI), 35 (25.7%) with GSUI and a low-pressure urethra (maximum urethral closure pressure of less than 20 cmH2O), and 18 (13.2%) with detrusor instability. The remaining 13.2% had severe prolapse. Our data demonstrate a significant correlation between body mass index and intra-abdominal pressure. These findings suggest that obesity may stress the pelvic floor secondary to chronic state of increased pressure, and may represent a mechanism which supports the widely held belief that obesity is a common factor in the development and recurrence of GSUI.

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The pelvic floor plays an important role in continence and pelvic organ support. Obstetricians may be able to reduce pelvic floor injuries by minimizing forceps deliveries and episiotomies, by allowing passive descent in the second stage, and by selectively recommending elective cesarean delivery.

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The stress leak-point pressure has poor clinical correlation to the maximal urethral closure pressure. A stress leak-point pressure less than or equal to 45 cm H2O has adequate sensitivity and specificity to diagnose a low-pressure urethra. A value less than or equal to 60 cm H2O would be an appropriate cutoff level to screen for those patients at risk of having a low-pressure urethra in need of further evaluation.

The objective of this narrative review is to study the impact of pregnancy and childbirth on pelvic floor function as assessed by objective measurement techniques with quantitative data carried out during pregnancy and after childbirth. A literature search in MEDLINE and relevant and up-to-date journals from 1960 until April 2017 was performed for articles dealing with the impact of pregnancy and childbirth on pelvic floor function as assessed by objective measurement methods. Only studies describing objective measurement techniques. i.e., urodynamics, ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system, and neurophysiologic tests carried out throughout pregnancy and after childbirth are included. Relevant studies presenting objective quantitative data are analyzed and briefly summarized. The number of studies meeting selection criteria was relatively few. Pregnancy, especially first pregnancy, is associated bladder neck lowering, increased bladder neck mobility, pelvic organ descent, decreased levator ani strength, and decreased urethral resistance. These changes are accentuated after vaginal delivery. Data on the impact of obstetrical and neonatal variables are transient and seem of less importance. Cesarean delivery is not completely protective. In most women, pelvic floor muscle function recovers in the year after delivery. Objective measurement techniques during pregnancy may allow identification of women susceptible to pelvic floor dysfunction later in life and offer the opportunity for counseling and preventive treatment strategies.