Perineal injuries are a common complication of vaginal delivery, affecting 75–85% of women. This review examines current knowledge on risk factors, classification, treatment, and quality of life impacts. Risk factors are divided into maternal, foetal, and labour-related categories. Treatment depends on injury severity. First-degree tears can be managed conservatively, with skin glue or suturing—preferably with synthetic absorbable sutures to reduce pain and infection risk. Second-degree tears and episiotomies respond best to continuous non-locking sutures, improving healing, and minimizing postpartum pain. Severe third- and fourth-degree tears require specialised surgical techniques, such as the overlay method for anal sphincter repair, which improves faecal continence. Proper preoperative care, including antibiotics and anaesthesia, enhances outcomes. Episiotomy is controversial; selective use based on clinical indications is recommended over routine practice. Research shows no significant long-term benefits compared to spontaneous tears, and links episiotomy to psychological distress and negative body image. Preventative strategies, like perineal massage and warm compresses during labour, may reduce the risk of severe trauma, particularly in first-time mothers. Perineal trauma can have lasting physical and psychological effects, impacting sexual function, continence, and mental health. Proper diagnosis, treatment, and postpartum care are essential. Future studies should aim to standardise care protocols and explore long-term outcomes to enhance patient quality of life.
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex disorder that comprises metabolic abnormalities such as central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Eventually, MetS leads to type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and increases the risk of other cardiovascular diseases. Patients with MetS are approximately five times more prone to develop T2DM. The increase in global prevalence of MetS is a major cause of concern. The microelement zinc is an essential trace element that plays a pivotal role in numerous biological processes occurring in the body. We carried out a thorough search of published studies in Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Zinc plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system, wound healing, protein synthesis, metabolism, inflammation, and different oxidative stress pathways. It is also vital for insulin homeostasis and signaling. The potential role of zinc in managing insulin resistance may be a key component in the treatment of MetS. Zinc acts via various signaling pathways, such as AMPK and mTOR, and influences lipid and glucose metabolism. The regulation of zinc metabolism at the cellular level is important for various biological processes, and disruption in zinc homeostasis results in the development of many diseases. The present review aims to discuss the role of zinc in MetS. It is concluded that zinc level modulation may be a key point in the prevention and treatment of MetS.