Before the birth of my now almost-12-year-old son, I don’t recall experiencing any issues with bladder leakage. However, research suggests that bladder leakage affects a significant number of women. It is estimated that up to 25% of young women, 44% to 57% of middle-aged women, and a staggering 75% of older women experience some form of involuntary urine loss. Stress incontinence, which is caused by stress or pressure on the bladder, is more prevalent in women than in men and can be worsened by childbirth.
During the labor of my son, which lasted over 30 hours, I encountered a serious bladder control problem. When I attempted to sit up in the hospital bed with an IV hooked to my arm, my bladder completely emptied without my control. This was not just a minor leakage situation, it was a total lack of bladder control. The medical staff reassured me that this can happen after childbirth, but I knew something wasn’t right.
In the days following the birth, I continued to experience bladder leakage, although it did improve gradually. However, I was so focused on taking care of my newborn that I didn’t prioritize addressing this issue. Wearing pads became a normal part of my routine as a new mom, along with those lovely mesh panties.
Even as my son transitioned from infancy to toddlerhood, my bladder leakage persisted. I wore pads every day and dreaded any activity that might trigger an episode. It was embarrassing to constantly worry about wetting my pants in public. I couldn’t fully enjoy intimate moments with my husband due to the fear of an unexpected accident. Despite these challenges, I tried to ignore the problem and only sporadically attempted Kegel exercises.
Nearly 12 years after giving birth to my son, during a recent visit to my gynecologist, I finally embraced the suggestion of pelvic floor physical therapy. My therapist, who was relatable and knowledgeable, explained the mechanics of incontinence and conducted a hands-on assessment. The sessions involved engaging in “video games” for my pelvic floor muscles, which was surprisingly enjoyable. I was motivated by the evidence that my efforts were effective. With the guidance of my therapist, I gradually reduced my reliance on pads and regained control over my bladder.
The results I achieved through pelvic floor physical therapy have been remarkable. I no longer need to constantly worry about my bladder or carry spare clothes with me. I am not completely cured, but I am on the right track. This experience has taught me the importance of addressing personal health concerns, even if they seem uncomfortable or embarrassing. As mothers, we often prioritize everyone else’s needs over our own, but it’s crucial to prioritize self-care and seek treatment when needed. It’s never too late to take care of ourselves.
It’s time to shed light on the issue of pelvic floor incontinence faced by many women, especially new mothers. Accessibility to resources and information about pelvic floor health should be a priority. My success with pelvic floor physical therapy has inspired me to address other health concerns in my life. I have scheduled a mammogram and plan to undergo LASIK to correct my eyesight. We deserve to invest time and effort into ourselves because we are worth it.
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