What can be done for women who are experiencing urinary incontinence and urgency after childbirth?
Dr. Haessler: Pregnancy and childbirth may be associated with trauma to the pelvic area and can involve muscular, connective tissue, or nerve injury, which is often undetected by the patient. These factors may contribute to weakening of the tissue that supports the pelvic organs. When the pelvic organs are not well supported they often do not function properly. Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction can include new urinary urgency, incontinence or incomplete bladder emptying. Occasionally, the vaginal walls protrude into or outside of the vagina causing an uncomfortable pressure or bulge. Other conditions may occur, such as a gaping of the vaginal opening or problems with defecation. If a woman develops these symptoms after a birth, she may be suffering from such a condition. These conditions are rarely dangerous; however they can interfere with sexual function and significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. Typically, if the symptoms do not improve with time and pelvic floor strengt
