Will urinary incontinence heal itself after a vaginal delivery?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on September 14, 2024
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During natural childbirth, because it can damage pelvic floor function, causing issues such as bladder prolapse, uterine prolapse, and a series of other pelvic floor dysfunctions, some women may experience urinary incontinence after giving birth. If urinary incontinence occurs after natural childbirth, it suggests that the damage to the pelvic floor functions is quite severe, and these conditions generally cannot heal on their own. First, a pelvic floor function test should be conducted to assess the condition of the pelvic floor. If the damage to the pelvic floor is minor, it can be improved through machine-assisted treatment and performing Kegel exercises, which also help enhance pelvic floor functions. If the evaluation reveals severe prolapse, pelvic floor reconstructive surgery is required to suture the prolapsed bladder or uterus back into place, which can improve urinary incontinence. Therefore, urinary incontinence after natural childbirth generally does not heal on its own.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
58sec home-news-image

What is postpartum urinary incontinence?

Many women experience urinary incontinence after childbirth, and the severity varies from person to person. The causes of postpartum urinary incontinence include the following aspects. First, during pregnancy, the enlargement of the uterus can significantly press on the female pelvic floor, causing damage to pelvic floor function. Second, for women who have a vaginal delivery, the fetus needs to pass through the vagina. This process can further exacerbate damage to the female pelvic floor. These factors together can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, resulting in conditions like uterine prolapse, bladder prolapse, and even urinary incontinence. For postpartum urinary incontinence, interventions such as Kegel exercises and electrical stimulation therapy should be used together to alleviate clinical symptoms and minimize impact on daily life. If conservative treatments are ineffective, pelvic floor repair surgery should be considered.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can I eat mutton for postpartum urinary incontinence?

In cases of postpartum urinary incontinence, it is acceptable for new mothers to consume lamb in moderation. Lamb is highly nutritious, rich in protein, as well as vitamins and minerals. It can enhance the physical immunity of postpartum women and is also helpful in improving postpartum urinary incontinence. When urinary incontinence occurs, it is necessary to first visit a hospital for an examination to assess the severity of the condition and to choose an appropriate treatment method. Generally, mild urinary incontinence can be improved over time with proper care and can return to normal. However, severe urinary incontinence may require surgical treatment. It is important to rest, strengthen nutrition, and ensure adequate sleep.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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How to recover from urinary incontinence after natural childbirth

Vaginal delivery refers to childbirth through the vagina, and while it has many benefits, it also has certain drawbacks. The biggest disadvantage is that it can cause damage to a woman's pelvic floor, leading to conditions such as uterine prolapse and bladder prolapse, which manifest as urinary leakage or incontinence. If urinary incontinence occurs after vaginal delivery, it can be addressed through the following methods: First, one can perform Kegel exercises at home. Kegel exercises are a set of movements that contract the muscles of the pelvic floor, which can help alleviate urinary incontinence, though the effect may be weak. Second, for patients with significant urinary leakage or incontinence, it is recommended to seek hospital treatment with machine-assisted therapy, primarily using electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor muscles to promote contraction and improve symptoms of incontinence. Third, if the above methods are ineffective, an evaluation of pelvic floor function should be conducted, and if necessary, pelvic floor repair surgery should be performed.

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Written by Chen Feng
Urology
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How to treat frequent urination and occasional incontinence in women?

Frequent urination and occasional incontinence in women may be caused by urinary tract infections, as patients with such infections may experience symptoms like frequent urination, urgency, and pain during urination. Urgency can manifest as being unable to hold urine, even leading to incontinence. Generally, this condition requires treatment with antibiotics. Depending on the severity of the patient's condition, either oral antibiotics or intravenous antibiotics may be chosen. For milder cases, oral medications such as cefixime or levofloxacin can be used. If the condition is more severe, such as if there is discomfort in the lower back, nausea, vomiting, and fever symptoms, intravenous antibiotics may be administered. Alongside medication, it is also important to drink plenty of water, urinate frequently, and maintain a light diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits during treatment. Avoid spicy and irritating foods, such as chili peppers, fried foods, barbecue, and also avoid alcohol. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can fecal incontinence be cancer?

The most common causes of fecal incontinence are neurological dysfunction or relaxation of the local anal sphincter. In some cases of advanced rectal cancer, excessive tumor growth can enlarge the local intestinal contents, leading to involuntary expulsion of feces. Diagnosis involves further examination using electronic colonoscopy, digital anal examination, and assessment of neurological function. If the cause is related to a neurological disorder, treatment by a neurologist is required. If the cause is relaxation of the anal sphincter, then anal sphincter tightening surgery may be considered. In cases where fecal incontinence is caused by an intestinal tumor, surgery to remove the tumor is recommended, along with radiation or chemotherapy.