Were you aware about the risk of permanent incontinence after giving birth?

I was told it would improve but it has been 5 months since I gave birth and still can't control it. Urinary incontinence improved but F incontinence is still a major problem. I have been told I have to do pelvic floor exercises and wait, that it will improve. But at this point I don't think pelvic floor exercises are helping any more. After reading about it, it turns out incontinence is pretty common and I just can't imagine how women are expected to put up witht it and not get any help more promptly or just expect women to accept it? I am furious, sad, anxious and didn't imagine I would be having these issues at such a young age. This has hit my self esteem and made me terribly anxious about being outside.

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Yes I’d a 4th degree tear after my daughter, urinary incontinence was bad for a while but had a few physio sessions and it improved a lot, was referred by the hospital. I gave birth over 3 years ago now and no issues but been told if I’ve any more kids I have to have a c section as the tear did severe damage to my sphincter muscle if I was to deliver vaginal again could end up with complete bowel incontinence x

It’s common for a short period of time. Not months. Depending on the tear and type of birth you might have had often determines how bad the incontinence is. Don’t settle for ‘just do more pelvic floor exercises’. Ask to be referred to a women’s pelvic health specialist.

Yes, my sister needed bladder surgery to fix the damage from her vaginal birth. She had to wait over a year for it too 🙁

Hey, I’ve had urinary incontinence since the birth of my daughter. I wasn’t aware either that this was an issue, I had forceps delivery and 3rd degree tear/epistomeny. I wouldn’t settle for it, I’m having pelvic physio and it’s very slowly getting better but still not right. I also had an appt about my tears etc and got referred to a different clinic where I’m being seen to understand the issue in more detail. The general gist from everybody I’ve seen is will get better with time which is the last thing you want to hear. I totally get you regarding anxiety etc, feel free to drop me a message if you want to chat but definitely push for further help. Good luck

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