Feeling old in a young body: Women’s experiences of living with severe consequences of an obstetric anal sphincter rupture: An interview study

Abstract

Background: The incidence of obstetric anal sphincter rupture (OASR) is increasing. It may cause anal incontinence and dyspareunia, leading to reduced quality of life and wellbeing. Qualitative studies are lacking. The aim was to describe experiences of living with ongoing severe consequences of an OASR ≥ 8 weeks after childbirth.Method: Twenty women with ongoing severe consequences of an OASR ≥ 8 weeks after delivery were interviewed using qualitative content analysis.Results: The experience of complications of an OASR is described in the overall theme "Feeling old in a young body" and four categories: The body as injured; isolation; inability to function sexually, and anxiety for the future. Participants described how the consequences of OASR totally occupied their lives, making them feel old in a young body. They told of repercussions for their physical, psychological, sexual and social lives; how it affected their roles of mothers and partners, making them fear future childbirths. Diet, use of medicines, coal filters in incontinence pads, timing of toilet visits, use of the environment and mobile phones to conceal flatus and/or feces were strategies participants described.Conclusions: This study can contribute to increased understanding of how women can be affected by an OASR, and may enable healthcare personnel and authorities to meet their needs and organize care so that adequate support is available. It would also be beneficial if the women's physical strategies were integrated into the information provided by health caregivers involved in follow-up. However, more research in this area is warranted.

Women's experiences of obstetric anal sphincter injury and physical therapy interventions - A qualitative study

“… 1 In few studies individual interviews have been used as data collection. 21 , 22 To obtain a deeper understanding of the experiences of these injuries, and to further develop physical therapy care, individual interviews based on open ended questions exploring what women with OASIS expect as well as their needs and wishes, are necessary. The purpose of the study was to investigate women's experiences of OASIS and the subsequent physical therapy rehabilitation process.…”