Relationship between Mode of Delivery and Symptoms of Overactive Bladder

Background: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a prevalent syndrome in which involuntary bladder contractions cause urgency, frequency and nocturia without evident pathology. Prior research indicates that vaginal delivery elevates the risk of urine incontinence relative to Cesarean section (C-section). Aim: This study examined the correlation between delivery method and symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB). Methods: To achieve this objective, 377 women were categorized into three groups: Group A comprised parous women who underwent vaginal delivery and exhibited OAB symptoms (≥ 6 weeks postpartum), group B consisted of parous women who had a C-section and displayed OAB symptoms (≥ 6 weeks postpartum) and group C included nulliparous women with OAB symptoms. The severity of overactive bladder (OAB) was evaluated using the Arabic version of the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), while quality of life was examined with the Arabic version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Results: In comparing the groups, group A showed a significantly higher Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) compared to group B (mean OABSS: Group A = X, Group B = Y; p = 0.001). Regarding quality of life, a significant difference was observed in the social relationships’ domain among the three groups (p = Z). Furthermore, a weak but statistically significant positive correlation was found between mode of delivery and OABSS (correlation coefficient r = W, p = Q). Women who delivered vaginally were 4.14 times and those who delivered by C-section were 2.14 times more likely to develop OAB symptoms than nulliparous women (odds ratios: vaginal delivery = 4.14, C-section = 2.14; 95% CIs reported as applicable). Conclusion: These findings clearly demonstrated that mode of delivery significantly influenced both the likelihood and severity of OAB symptoms, with vaginal delivery presenting a higher risk than cesarean delivery. This evidence highlighted the critical need for robust postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation and preventive strategies to reduce OAB risk in women after childbirth.