What should be done about postpartum urinary incontinence in women?

Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
Updated on September 17, 2024
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Generally, women are prone to urinary incontinence after childbirth. Normally, due to the significant increase in uterine pressure during childbirth, which compresses the bladder, or damage to the anterior vaginal wall, postpartum urinary incontinence can occur. If urinary incontinence is confirmed, it is still necessary to observe temporarily. Postpartum urinary incontinence can generally last three to six months, and the bladder will recover to its pre-pregnancy state. During this period, it is best to wear thicker clothes and trousers, use a pad, and maintain cleanliness of the vulva. If the symptoms of urinary incontinence cannot be alleviated, it is still necessary to perform pelvic floor exercises or undergo symptomatic surgical treatment.

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Written by Sun Chun
Urology
1min 10sec home-news-image

Urinary incontinence includes three types: stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and overflow incontinence.

Urinary incontinence, in clinical terms, is divided into the following categories: First, there is urge incontinence, where the main symptom is that as soon as one thinks of urinating, the urine comes out uncontrollably. This is commonly seen in urinary tract infections, among other conditions. Second, there is overflow incontinence, also known as pseudo-incontinence, which is actually due to an obstruction in the lower urinary tract, leading to an overfilled bladder that naturally overflows, causing involuntary urination. Third, there is true incontinence, which occurs because the mechanism controlling the urinary tract is damaged, resulting in leaks as soon as there is a small amount of urine in the bladder. If urinary incontinence occurs, it is recommended to visit a hospital. First, a routine urine test should be conducted; second, a color Doppler ultrasound of the urinary system should be performed, which can be done while holding urine or during routine times; lastly, a urodynamic test should be carried out to examine bladder function and determine the type of urinary incontinence.

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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.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
57sec home-news-image

What should be done about postpartum urinary incontinence in women?

Generally, women are prone to urinary incontinence after childbirth. Normally, due to the significant increase in uterine pressure during childbirth, which compresses the bladder, or damage to the anterior vaginal wall, postpartum urinary incontinence can occur. If urinary incontinence is confirmed, it is still necessary to observe temporarily. Postpartum urinary incontinence can generally last three to six months, and the bladder will recover to its pre-pregnancy state. During this period, it is best to wear thicker clothes and trousers, use a pad, and maintain cleanliness of the vulva. If the symptoms of urinary incontinence cannot be alleviated, it is still necessary to perform pelvic floor exercises or undergo symptomatic surgical treatment.

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Written by Wei Zhen Xia
Geriatrics
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What is urinary incontinence in the elderly?

For elderly people with urinary incontinence, such as elderly men, the main cause is benign prostatic hyperplasia. Due to the enlargement of the prostate, there is an obstruction at the bladder outlet, which increases the resistance during urination. Urine is not completely expelled and accumulates in large amounts within the bladder. When the pressure reaches a certain level, urinary incontinence occurs. For female patients, the main cause is usually an acute urinary system infection, resulting in localized infections that stimulate the bladder's detrusor muscle, causing it to contract involuntarily and, consequently, leading to urinary incontinence.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
1min 8sec home-news-image

What are the characteristics of the various types of urinary incontinence?

There are several types of urinary incontinence, common ones include stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, and true incontinence. Stress incontinence, which is common in clinical practice, primarily occurs in women, especially in those who have given birth, are obese, or are elderly. It is characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine through the urethra during coughing, laughing, or sneezing. Urge incontinence, often seen in acute bladder inflammation, usually presents with symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, and pain in the lower abdomen before the onset of incontinence. Overflow incontinence is more common in elderly men, caused by urinary obstructions, such as those resulting from prostatic hyperplasia compressing the urethra, leading to urinary retention. In this case, the patient's bladder area may exhibit significant distension and tenderness. True incontinence is often seen in cases of neurological damage, such as from spinal injury or intracranial disorders.