The deficient perineum: oblique presentation of a clinically obvious anomaly.

The deficient perineum is a recognized anatomical defect attributable essentially to the trauma of vaginal delivery. We studied, retrospectively, 64 women with the deficient perineum who presented in our unit for other reasons. All were parous and had previous vaginal delivery. Eighty-four percent delivered recently outside a hospital. Presumed marital disharmony occurred in 45% and may have been profound. Perineorrhaphy in the women seen, had salutary effects.