Vaginal delivery disrupts vaginal smooth muscle (VaSM) contraction

Vaginal delivery is the single most important risk factor for developing pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Hence, using the sheep model, our study aimed to investigate the impact of vaginal delivery, on vaginal smooth muscle (VaSM) function, which is known to be compromised in women with POP. The results showed only minor disruption of smooth muscle morphology in the parous vagina, but there was a significant increase in both muscle and receptor mediated contractions. This evidence of altered VaSM function could be a mechanism leading to POP.