Managing Digestive Disorders
About Me
Managing Digestive Disorders

My name is Lilith Maclin and if you suffer from a digestive disorder, you can find a wealth of information about this type of medical condition in my blog. Three years ago, my husband was having severe stomach cramps and his doctor told him that he had a digestive disorder called ulcerative colitis. After my husband was diagnosed, I did thorough research to learn how to control and manage this disorder. We kept track of everything that my husband ate and when a certain food caused a flare-up of his condition, he eliminated that food from his diet. By learning all we could about this digestive disorder, my husband has been able to live pain free. If you want more information about this disorder and how to manage it, you can find it here by reading my blog.

Managing Digestive Disorders

Urinary Incontinence After Childbirth: Everything You Need To Know

Louella Davidson

Many women experience urinary leakage or incontinence while they're pregnant due to the pressure that the growing baby places on the bladder. However, some women continue having accidents long after their child is born. For these women, urination is not predictable. They may leak when they cough or release a large amount of urine in an unexpected accident. They may also have to go frequently throughout the day and at night. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have urinary incontinence, a condition that does not go away on its own. Here's everything you need to know: 

What Causes Postpartum Incontinence?

Postpartum urinary incontinence is most often caused by damage that occurs during childbirth. During birth, the nerves, ligaments, and muscles that support the pelvic floor may get damaged, which can prevent them from working properly. These components work together to support your bladder and keep your urethra closed. If even one part of your pelvic floor can't do its job properly, you can experience leaking. The bladder and urethra itself may also get moved and/or damaged during delivery. 

Who Is at Risk for Urinary Incontinence?

Virtually every woman who has a baby, even those who deliver by C-section, are at risk for developing urinary incontinence after birth. However, women who deliver vaginally are most susceptible. This is especially true if they labor long, have a large baby, or have an assisted delivery. Assisted deliveries occur when the doctor has to physically help remove the baby with forceps or hands. The more damage that occurs in the area, the more risk there is, so it's easy to see why traumatic births and incontinence go hand in hand. Women who are obese are also at a higher risk. 

What Are the Treatment Options?

The treatment options for urinary incontinence vary widely, depending on the severity of the condition. In conditions where total destruction of the pelvic structures or bladder prolapse have occurred, pelvic reconstructive surgery is indicated. Women with mild cases of incontinence may be able to control their symptoms through medication or bladder training. Dietary changes may also help. New treatments aimed at stimulating or deadening the bladder nerve are also available. 

Urinary incontinence after childbirth is not uncommon. Many women experience this embarrassing and troubling condition. If you're experiencing leakage, be sure to talk to your doctor right away. There are treatment options available. You don't have to live with your symptoms. 

For more information on urinary leakage, contact businesses such as Western Branch Center for Women.


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