Will my post-pregnancy pelvic floor dysfunction go away?

Pregnancy-related incontinence can strike at any age. You may have started experiencing some degree of pelvic floor dysfunction during your pregnancy, as your uterus stretched to accommodate your growing baby and began to press on the bladder or urethra. As your pregnancy progressed, your uterus put more and more stress on the muscles of your lower abdomen—ultimately displacing your internal organs and causing pelvic floor dysfunction.rnrn rnrnWhen the time came for your baby to make his or her debut, the process of childbirth may have caused acute trauma to your vagina and rectum. The natural stretching—and in many cases, the episiotomy your doctor may have performed in order to prevent tearing—can further compromise pelvic floor muscles, often causing unexpected leaks.rnrn rnrnThe most common kind of post-pregnancy pelvic floor dysfunction is stress incontinence, in which normal daily occurrences like laughing, coughing or sneezing can cause leakage. In some cases, the issue will resolve naturally in the months following childbirth, as you gradually regain muscle tone. But in others, post-pregnancy incontinence can become the new normal.rnrn rnrnPost-pregnancy pelvic floor dysfunction may carry slightly less stigma than other bladder and bowel issues, but that doesn’t mean it’s something you want to deal with for the rest of your life. If your issues are a minor inconvenience, you may be able to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles with Kegel exercises. If your problem is severe and pelvic floor exercises don’t help, your doctor can discuss other treatments with you—there are surgeries that can help improve your body’s internal support system.rnrn rnrnUntil you and your doctor determine the right course of action, protective undergarments can help ensure that you can face each day with confidence. Not sure which incontinence pads are right for you? Take our interactive quiz now to find your perfect fit.