The impact of anal sphincter injury on perceived body image

Abstract

This is the first study to quantify body image changes in women after anal sphincter injury sustained in childbirth. These were found to be very common, affecting up to 50% of women. The study has several limitations but it does highlight the significant psychosocial problems of negative self-esteem and personality changes associated with a perceived change in body image that has not previously been reported. It also outlines the further research questions that need to be addressed.

One Plus One Equals Two—will that do? A trial protocol for a Swedish multicentre randomised controlled trial to evaluate a clinical practice to reduce severe perineal trauma

“…It is the most important cause of female anal incontinence, and the reported prevalence following severe perineal trauma is 10–30% [ 1 , 2 ]. Other complications of severe perineal trauma are pain [ 3 ], dyspareunia [ 4 ], an altered body image, and psychosocial problems [ 5 – 7 ]. Risk factors for severe perineal trauma are giving birth vaginally for the first time, having an assisted vaginal birth, giving birth vaginally after a previous caesarean section, or giving birth to a baby that weighs more than 4000 g, ethnicity, and the risk increases with age [ 8 – 11 ].…”