QUALITY OF LIFE AND PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLE DISORDERS IN THE PUERPERIUM

Abstract

During the gestational period, several physical, hormonal and physiological changes can result in pelvic floor muscle dysfunction (PFMD) in women, causing pain, discomfort, feelings of embarrassment, shame and social isolation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of women in the postpartum period and to identify the factors associated with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction PFMD. This is a cross-sectional, quantitative and descriptive study involving 182 women who underwent normal or surgical delivery at a Maternal and Child University Hospital (HUMAI) in the city of Ponta Grossa/PR. The following instruments were used: WHOQOL-bref and Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire (PFBQ). The results showed that the mean overall QoL was considered satisfactory, with the physical and psychological domains presenting higher scores. The most prevalent PFMD were dyspareunia and stress urinary incontinence. There was a significant negative correlation between the overall PFMD score and the physical, psychological, social relationships, and self-rated QoL domains. It was concluded that PFMD has a negative relationship with the perception of QoL of women in the postpartum period. The physical domain and self-rated QoL were more affected by the disorders of the PFMD. Therefore, it is proposed to expand public policies related to maternal health during pregnancy and/or postpartum recovery, aiming to ensure a better quality of life for women and provide adequate treatments.