Behavioral Therapy Of Obstetric Sphincter Tears

Inclusion Criteria

• •1. Vaginal delivery \>= 28 weeks singleton gestation
• •2. Documented repair to the anal sphincter at delivery
• •3. First vaginal delivery
• •4. Ambulatory
• •5. Able to give informed consent 6 Adult women \>= 18 years of age
• •1. Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease)
• •2. Pre-pregnancy ano-rectal surgery (e.g., surgery for hemorrhoids, fissures, sphincterotomy)
• •3. Pre-pregnancy FI (defined as the leakage of liquid/solid stool and mucus \>= once per month for at least 12 weeks prior to this pregnancy)
• •4. Neurological condition that would predispose to FI (e.g., spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis)
• •5. Presence of rectovaginal fistula
• •6. Any participation in other pharmacologic or behavioral studies for FI
• •7. Previous pregnancy \>=28 weeks delivered vaginally or by Cesarean section