Associated risk factors for infection are increased age, diabetes, increased laceration width, wound contamination, or the presence of a foreign body [2].
In 'Granny Smith', the cells were completely broken, showing an increase in laceration of the cell walls rather than in the middle lamella, most likely due to a reduced degradation activity that prevented cell separation occurring.
The birthing woman is exposed to an increased risk for serious perineal lacerations, increased blood loss, urinary incontinence, dyspareunia and perineal pain postpartum when birth is instrumentally assisted [ 21, 25, 26].
This finding was not confirmed in the present study; we found no increase in perineal lacerations, anal sphincter tears (AST) or perineal edema in the experimental group.
Risk for HIV transmission is also heightened because hymenal, vaginal, or cervical lacerations increase the transmission rate, and many of these young girls lose their virginity to HIV-infected husbands.
Figure 5 shows a comparison between the infection group and non-infection group with relation to time. Figure 5 shows two combined histograms comparing the distribution of frequencies of infection and non-infection cases as the wound closure time for the lacerations increased.
The WHO includes this practice within Type IV FGM, because the added friction during intercourse can cause lacerations and increase the risk of infection.
It has also been suggested that squashing mosquitoes while they are feeding, and subsequently scratching the area (which might result in lacerations) could increase the likelihood of transmission as well (Siemens 1987).
Risk factors for severe perineal lacerations include increasing birth weight, operative vaginal deliveries, labor induction and augmentation [ 8].
4 5 For mothers with diabetes, macrosomia leads to increased risk of perineal lacerations, complications in labour, and delivery by caesarean section.
