Risk factors of pelvic organ prolapse: an ultrasound based retrospective study

Abstract Objective: To analyse the risk factors of pelvic organ prolapse in postpartum period. Methods: This retrospective study included 4965 participants who visited Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital from December 2019 to March 2022. All participants were assessed by medical professionals for general information and Pelvic floor 3D ultrasound. Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that age and body mass index had a negative impact on cystocele, perineal hypermobility, hiatal ballooning, rectocele (BMI only), levator avulsion (age only). In contrast, education was a protective factor of uterine prolapse, perineal hypermobility, and hiatal ballooning. Multiparas were more likely to develop cystocele, while multiparas were less likely to get levator avulsion. Vaginal delivery was a risk factor of most of pelvic floor injury, including cystocele, uterine prolapse, perineal hypermobility, hiatal ballooning, and levator avulsion. Similarly, neonatal weight was also a negative factor of levator avulsion. No specific association was found between these factors and anterior, middle and posterior pelvic prolapse. Conclusions: We found that age, body mass index, parity, vaginal delivery, and neonatal weight were the risk factors of pelvic organ prolapse or levator avulsion. But education and parity was the protective factor of pelvic organ prolapse and levator avulsion respectively.