Caesarean section is usually performed when the normal delivery for a pregnant woman is difficult. A recent research suggests that a caesarean is less likely to cause sexual and urinary problems for the mother. Researchers from the Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK, assessed the outcomes of 393 women who delivered by a c-section or with the use of instruments such as forceps. Women who had an instrument delivery experienced urinary incontinence more often than the women who had a c-section. This was first noted six weeks after delivery, but the difference was still apparent a year later. In contrast, the type of delivery did not seem to influence bowel function. Women in the instrument group were also more likely to complain of painful sexual intercourse. Interestingly, despite the higher rate of sexual and urinary problems, women in the instrumental delivery group still favoured a vaginal delivery when questioned about future deliveries. The researchers supported the decision to attempt an instrumental vaginal delivery if the obstetrician involved felt that this was appropriate. They concluded that neither mode of delivery, caesarean section or instrumental delivery, is without its disadvantages.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
August 2004