Can you have intercourse with postpartum urinary incontinence?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on October 31, 2024
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Postpartum urinary incontinence should preclude sexual intercourse, as intercourse can exacerbate the condition. It is necessary to wait until recovery is achieved before resuming sexual activities. It is advised that patients promptly seek hospital treatment for pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation, which can generally bring effective relief within six months. If recovery begins after more than six months, the results can be poor. It is also important to develop good living habits, ensuring adequate sleep, avoiding fatigue, and refraining from heavy physical labor. Proper bowel movements should be maintained to prevent constipation, which can increase abdominal pressure and worsen urinary incontinence.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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How many types of urinary incontinence are there?

Urinary incontinence refers to the uncontrolled release of urine through the urethra. There are several types of urinary incontinence, including urge incontinence, stress incontinence, overflow incontinence, and true incontinence, each requiring treatment tailored to the specific type. The most common type is stress incontinence, which is often seen in women who have given birth. It is mainly caused by relaxation of the bladder sphincter and typically occurs when sudden increases in abdominal pressure, such as during coughing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects, cause urine to flow from the urethra. If the symptoms are mild, improvement can be achieved through exercises for the pelvic floor and bladder sphincter muscles. If the symptoms are severe, surgical treatment is recommended.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
47sec home-news-image

Can you have intercourse with postpartum urinary incontinence?

Postpartum urinary incontinence should preclude sexual intercourse, as intercourse can exacerbate the condition. It is necessary to wait until recovery is achieved before resuming sexual activities. It is advised that patients promptly seek hospital treatment for pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation, which can generally bring effective relief within six months. If recovery begins after more than six months, the results can be poor. It is also important to develop good living habits, ensuring adequate sleep, avoiding fatigue, and refraining from heavy physical labor. Proper bowel movements should be maintained to prevent constipation, which can increase abdominal pressure and worsen urinary incontinence.

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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 Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What causes postpartum urinary incontinence?

Postpartum urinary incontinence in women often occurs after vaginal delivery. Clinically, postpartum urinary incontinence is relatively common and is mostly due to the stretching or injury of certain muscle groups in the pelvic floor as the baby passes through the birth canal during delivery. This can also occur due to surgical intervention affecting the nerves and blood vessels that support the pelvic floor, leading to relaxation or atrophy of the levator ani muscle. Postpartum urinary incontinence typically occurs about a week after delivery, and timely treatment is necessary. During the treatment period, bed rest is advised, which can alleviate some of the discomforts and possibly avoid the need for surgery.