Determination of the Perineal Body Length in Nulliparous Women Referred to Tabriz Al-Zahra and Taleghani Hospitals

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate and determine the length of the perineum in nulliparous women as a reference in predicting the need for episiotomy in women with short perineal length. Methodology 300 nulliparous patients were included in this study. The area between the posterior fourchette and the anus were measured to determine the length of Perineum. As well as the distance between the posterior fourchette to the lower border of the coccyx were measured in vertical and curved position by a plastic graded swap. By dividing the distance of posterior fourchette to the anus into the distance between the posterior fourchette to the lower border of the coccyx, the index of anatomical position of the anus (API) obtained. API1 and API2 were considered according to the different method in measure of the distance between the posterior fourchette to the lower border of the coccyx. (API1: Vertical position and API2: Curved position).

Results The mean size of the perineum was detected 3.108 ± 0.5357 cm. The size of the fourchette to the coccyx in the vertical position was detected 7.723 ± 1.0322 cm and in the curved position was 8.718 ± 1.0473 cm. The mean of API1 and API2 were detected in 0.3961 and 20.3524, respectively. In the evaluation of the relation between weight and length of the perineum a significant relation was detected. Moreover, the relation between weight and length of fourchette to coccyx was significant. In the evaluation of the relation between weight and API, a significant correlation was also detected (API1: r = 0.176 and p = 0. 002) (API2: r = 0.190 and p = 0.001). In examining the relation between height and length of the perineum, a significant relation was detected. Moreover, the relation between height and length of fourchette to coccyx was significant. In the evaluation of the relation between height and API, a significant relation was also detected (API1: r = 0.157 and p = 0.007) (API2: r = 0.188 and p = 0.001). There is a significant relation between shoe size and perineum length. The relation between shoe size and fourchette to coccyx was also. In addition, the relation between the shoe size and API showed meaningful so that with the increase in shoe size, API also increases (API1: r = 0.115 and p = 0.046) (API2: r = 0.157 and p = 0.006).