Estendahl Karin, Danielsson Louise
Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
SV Hospital Group Rehabilitation Centre, Alingsås Hospital, Alingsås, Sweden.
BMC Womens Health. 2025 Jul 7;25(1):336. doi: 10.1186/s12905-025-03892-z.
Levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion affects approximately 10-20% of women following vaginal delivery and results in permanent damage to the pelvic floor. This condition is a significant risk factor for pelvic floor dysfunction, including pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Despite its high prevalence, we lack knowledge and clinical guidelines regarding the prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment of LAM. Women's views of living with this injury need to be acknowledged and explored.
To explore women's experiences of living with a LAM avulsion and their experiences of associated contact with healthcare.
A qualitative interview study in which the data were analysed using qualitative content analysis according to Graneheim and Lundman. Fifteen women aged 33-55 years with diagnosed LAM avulsion participated. Videoconference interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions.
Three themes emerged: "Struggling to navigate healthcare", "Restricting everyday life", and "Seeing the future as uncertain, yet hopeful". These themes highlight women's frustration and challenges in navigating the healthcare system, their perception of a limited everyday life that must be adapted to what the body can handle, uncertainty about the future, and hope of good health and better care.
LAM avulsion can substantially impact women's quality of life. It is a hidden birth injury that needs attention. The results indicate many areas for improvement in healthcare, such as the value of confirmatory diagnosis and care that addresses the woman's overall situation.
肛提肌（LAM）撕裂影响约10%-20%的经阴道分娩女性，导致盆底永久性损伤。这种情况是盆底功能障碍的重要危险因素，包括盆腔器官脱垂（POP）。尽管其患病率很高，但我们缺乏关于LAM预防、诊断、管理和治疗的知识及临床指南。需要认识和探索女性对这种损伤生活状态的看法。
探讨女性LAM撕裂的生活经历以及她们与医疗保健相关接触的经历。
一项定性访谈研究，根据格兰内海姆和伦德曼的方法，使用定性内容分析法对数据进行分析。15名年龄在33-55岁之间被诊断为LAM撕裂的女性参与研究。使用带有开放式问题的半结构化访谈指南进行视频会议访谈。
出现了三个主题：“在医疗保健中艰难前行”、“限制日常生活”以及“视未来不确定但充满希望”。这些主题突出了女性在医疗保健系统中面临的挫折和挑战、她们对必须适应身体所能承受范围的有限日常生活的认知、对未来的不确定性以及对健康和更好护理的希望。
LAM撕裂会对女性生活质量产生重大影响。这是一种需要关注的隐匿性分娩损伤。结果表明医疗保健在许多方面有待改进，如确诊诊断的价值以及关注女性整体状况的护理。
