Sonographic postpartum anal sphincter defects and the association with pelvic floor pain and dyspareunia.

Our results suggest an association between postpartum sonographic anal sphincter defects, pelvic floor pain, and dyspareunia. A perineal height <2 cm, measured by bidigital palpation immediately postdelivery, was a risk factor for sonographic anal sphincter defect. We suggest offering pelvic floor sonography around 3 months postpartum to high- risk women to optimize diagnosis and treatment of perineal tears and include perineum <2 cm prior to primary repair as a proposed indication for postpartum follow-up sonography.