Breaking the Ice: Talking Openly About Your Pelvic Health

Postpartum urinary incontinence is very common and occurs in 1 out of every 3 women. In fact, research shows that if a woman experiences bladder leaks 3 months postpartum, she has a 92% chance of continuing to have leaks at 5 years postpartum.

The good news is, pelvic health physical therapy can be very effective in treating postpartum issues like Bladder leaks, which typically don’t resolve on their own. I also recommend my patients use a dual-use pad like One by Poise® to help manage both period flow and bladder leaks while undergoing treatment.

For patients who come to me about urinary incontinence, I explore whether they have any sexual or bowel dysfunction. This conversation is key in helping ensure patients receive the proper treatment. For example, chronic constipation often directly impacts urinary leakage, so we can’t address one without resolving the other.

When I work with patients experiencing Pelvic floor dysfunction, I often look at their symptoms in an orthopedic context, because the root of many pelvic floor issues can be linked to issues like:

Pregnancy itself can also be a risk factor for developing pelvic floor dysfunction, no matter how you deliver (having a c-section does not automatically protect the pelvic floor). If you experience any pelvic floor dysfunction or other orthopedic issues postpartum such as hip or lower back pain, speak with your OB/GYN or a pelvic health physical therapist.

24% of postpartum women will experience ongoing painful intercourse, sometimes up to 18 months after delivery, which can greatly impact their relationship with their partner. In fact, once I start talking with my patients, I sometimes discover painful intercourse has led them to cease sexual activity altogether. Women who experienced one of the following are also more likely to have painful intercourse at 18 months postpartum:

Patients are usually surprised (and relieved) to learn that bladder pain and painful intercourse are closely linked, and can usually be successfully treated simultaneously. So, don’t be afraid to speak up about your conditions – you’re not the only one experiencing them!

Reducing pain and resuming a healthy, active sex life is life-changing for patients – and I’ve received flowers from their partners on more than one occasion.