In plain words
The external anal sphincter is the outer ring of muscle around the anus. It helps you hold stool and gas. It is part of the pelvic floor, the group of muscles that supports the bladder, bowel, and uterus. During a vaginal birth, this muscle can be stretched, and sometimes torn, especially when the baby's head comes out quickly or the tears deeply. Most mothers never know it was affected. Some notice leaking gas, urgency, or a change in bowel control in the weeks after birth. These symptoms are common and often improve with time and pelvic floor care. Providers want to hear about symptoms that continue or bother a mother, even when they feel embarrassing to mention.
The deeper version
The external anal sphincter is a striated muscle ring whose anterior fibers merge with the . (OASI) involves disruption of the external anal sphincter, with or without the and anal epithelium. Sultan and colleagues (New England Journal of Medicine, 1993) first documented sphincter disruption after vaginal delivery using . Reported OASI rates vary widely with diagnostic method and are higher on endoanal ultrasound than on clinical examination. Long-term incontinence after OASI is common in cohort studies, although rates and their causes remain debated.
Where it comes up
- Healing a tear or stitchesPostpartum: Your Body
- Perineal massage, tearing, and episiotomyGetting Ready for Birth
- Your pelvic floor after birthPostpartum: Your Body
- The first poop, constipation, and hemorrhoids after birthPostpartum: Your Body
What mothers here say about external anal sphincter
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Sources
- Sultan AH, Kamm MA et al. — Anal-sphincter disruption during vaginal delivery. New England Journal of Medicine, 1993
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists — The management of third- and fourth-degree perineal tears, Green-top Guideline No. 29, 2015