Mahaska Health Partnership Recommends Treatment for Incontinence After Childbirth
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – Many women experience bladder leakage, or urinary incontinence, after childbirth. MHP OB/GYN Specialist Dr. Jeffrey Fowler offers ways to reduce your symptoms and return to normal bladder function.
“Up to half of women experience incontinence issues after giving birth,” Dr. Fowler shared. “Carrying a baby for nine months, plus the strain of birth causes a lot of pressure on the bladder, which can disrupt your ability to control when and how frequently you visit the restroom.”
Common symptoms of incontinence include leakage when pressure is applied to the abdomen from activities like laughing, coughing or sneezing. A frequent and sudden urge to urinate are also signs there may be an issue with your bladder control.
Dr. Fowler explained that the natural stretching of pelvic floor muscles and the weight of the uterus pushing on your bladder can cause frequent urges during pregnancy, but should resolve after birth. “Weakened pelvic floor muscles, damage to the nerves that control the bladder, shifting of the urethra and bladder during pregnancy or an episiotomy can all cause bladder problems.”
One of the best ways to treat bladder leakage is Kegel exercises. These exercises strengthen the muscles of your pelvic floor and help control when you urinate. “For Kegels, it’s best to start in five second increments,” Dr. Fowler explained. “Squeeze the muscles you normally use to stop urinating, hold them for five seconds, then rest for five seconds. Work yourself up to 10 in a row, with 10 second intervals, three times per day.”
Other recommendations Dr. Fowler provided include less caffeine, limiting liquids before bedtime and using the restroom right before bed and as soon as you get up. If you are still experiencing control issues, there are medications to try or surgical options if needed. ”Incontinence is not something you have to live with forever just because you had a baby, it is
very treatable,” Dr. Fowler stressed. “If the simple behavior changes don’t help, make an appointment so we can discuss your symptoms and options for treatment.”
Jeffrey Fowler, DO, is an OB/GYN specialist with the MHP Medical Group. Dr. Fowler has delivered more than 3,000 babies in his career. In addition to obstetrics, Dr. Fowler is well-versed in gynecological ailments and treatments. He is an experienced surgeon both in traditional methods as well as robot- assisted procedures for minimally invasive hysterectomy and operations on the female anatomy. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fowler, call 641.672.3360.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.
