Urinary Incontinence after childbirth

During pregnancy, hormones stretch the pelvic floor muscles. Additionally, the weight of the expanding uterus can weaken the strength of a woman’s pelvic floor muscles and cause urine to leak. When the baby moves down during birth, the pelvic floor stretches more. This, combined with hormonal changes, weakens the muscles controlling the bladder, sometimes causing accidental urine leaks.

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After childbirth, many women experience urinary incontinence (leaking urine). When we say "many" we mean one in three women face this issue after childbirth! Stress incontinence, where urine leaks during activities like laughing or exercising, is common among new mothers. 

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Factors increasing the risk include pre-existing bladder or bowel problems, bladder issues during pregnancy, being a first-time mom, delivering a large baby, enduring long or difficult labor, and even having a c-section. While a c-section can reduce severe incontinence risk, it doesn't eliminate it, with similar risks as vaginal birth after the third c-section.

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Despite being a common occurrence after childbirth, some new moms feel shame or embarrassment about experiencing incontinence. Limited discussion on this topic in various communities might make women believe it's an issue without easy solutions. In reality, incontinence is not only widespread, but it is responsive to numerous noninvasive treatments that can significantly improve or eliminate symptoms.

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“Whether I’m older or younger, how can I treat urinary incontinence?” We’ll cover this further down the article.

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Long labor can lead to urinary incontinence?

Extended and challenging labors can lead to permanent nerve damage and weaken pelvic muscles, causing issues like pelvic organ prolapse or incontinence. The pressures during labor affect pelvic muscles and nerves, potentially causing damage. Prolonged pushing further stresses nerves, leading to potential complications. Allowing natural uterine contractions may reduce the risk of injury during childbirth. This means that you are allowing your body to do the work of the labor rather than using medications to cause contractions.

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Does a vaginal birth lead to urinary incontinence?

Childbirth exerts significant forces on a woman's body, potentially damaging pelvic tissues. The head's passage during delivery can tear ligaments that anchor pelvic muscles, causing muscle damage. Episiotomies, intentional cuts to speed up delivery, may increase the risk of anal (bottom) incontinence. For some, damaged muscles and ligaments may remain weak, contributing to incontinence over time due to aging and tissue weakening. Currently, only advanced tests can assess muscle and nerve recovery, making it challenging to predict or address weakened muscles and nerve damage conveniently.

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We are not saying that vaginal birth WILL cause permanent damage with urinary incontinence, and we want to make it clear that we are not saying women should avoid labor/vaginal birth and skip straight to c-section in order to prevent urinary incontinence or other tissue damage. There are countless benefits to vaginal birth, and you should discuss your specific situation with your healthcare provider.

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Can c-section reduce post-partum urinary incontinence?

Part one - Pregnancy: During pregnancy, hormones stretch the pelvic floor muscles. Additionally, the weight of the expanding uterus can weaken a woman’s pelvic floor muscles and cause urine to leak. 

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Part two - Birth: When your baby moves down during birth, the pelvic floor stretches more. This, combined with hormonal changes, weakens the muscles controlling the bladder, sometimes causing accidental urine leaks.

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During birth, there is irritation of muscles, nerves, and tissue which CAN lead to higher potential of urinary incontinence. So, while a c-section COULD reduce the effects of birth, ultimately c-section birth its NOT a proven preventative approach. It’s absolutely critical to consult with your healthcare provider about the best approach to your health and safety.

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How to treat urinary incontinence (medically and naturally)

Let’s discuss the main treatment options available to you, as well as what Epiphany Women’s Health considers the BEST treatment option for stress urinary incontinence.

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Related post: (In-depth) Treatment options for urinary incontinence

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How to naturally treat (or cure) urinary incontinence:

• Pelvic Floor Exercises
• Fluid Management (NOT recommended)
• Lifestyle Changes
• Bladder Training

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Healthy habits to help with urinary incontinence:

• Lose extra weight
• Eat more fiber
• Reduce sugar and caffeine
• Quit smoking

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Can medications be used to treat urinary incontinence?

There are over 20 prescription medications available to treat urinary incontinence. Several of these medications cause dehydration and drowsiness. At Epiphany Women’s Health, we do not recommend the use of medications for urinary incontinence. There is a far more effective treatment option that does not involve the risk or symptoms that can be caused by medication taken for urinary incontinence.

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Although this is our opinion, every woman has unique circumstances and should consult your provider.

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Devices used to treat urinary incontinence in women:

• Vaginal Pessary
• Urethral Inserts

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Surgery and procedures to treat urinary incontinence

• Sling Procedure
• Injectable Bulking Agents
• Retropubic Colposuspension
• Inflatable Artificial Sphincter

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The most effective way to treat urinary incontinence

The O-Shot® (Platelet-Rich Plasma injection) for urinary incontinence

Traditionally, surgical procedures were common for managing stress incontinence, but the O-Shot® offers an alternative approach. Developed over a decade ago, the O-Shot® involves injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP), derived from the woman's blood, back into her body. PRP, containing highly active growth factors, stimulates cell and tissue regeneration, benefiting the area around the urethra that is causing stress incontinence.

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How the O-Shot® works:

Platelet-rich plasma is obtained by separating blood into its components, plasma, platelets, and red blood cells. A centrifuge (spinning device) is used to separate the blood. The plasma and platelets are removed via a syringe for the treatment. The injection, administered near the urethra (pee tube), prompts the bone marrow to create new blood vessels and tissues. Over several days, weeks, and months, this new tissue develops, potentially treating urinary incontinence.

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As we’ve learned throughout this article, urinary incontinence is caused by weakening tissue around the urethra. If your muscles, ligaments, and tissues that support the bladder have lost strength or tension, the bladder and urethra are unsupported, leading to leakage.

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The O-Shot® helps create fresh, revitalized tissue that supports the bladder and urethra. This gives women better control and helps reduce urinary incontinence.

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FAQs About O-Shot®:

Is the O-Shot® FDA approved? 

Procedures are not approved or disapproved by the FDA. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) monitors the safety of foods and drugs produced in the United States. 

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Since the O-Shot® is neither a food nor a drug the FDA is not involved, in the same way, that hysterectomies, c-sections, and PRP injections for sports-related injuries are not “approved by the FDA”. With that in mind, the procedure itself is not FDA-approved, but the kits used for the O-Shot® contain FDA-approved components.

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Can anyone administer the O-Shot®? 

No. Proper training and certification are required to administer the O-Shot® safely. Every provider at Epiphany Women’s Health is certified to administer the O-Shot®. You can verify this by visiting the Cellular Medicine Association.

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Next steps to treat urinary incontinence

If you find it uncomfortable to talk about incontinence, remember that more than 50% of women are struggling with urinary incontinence. You’re not alone. When you’re at Epiphany Women’s Health, you’re in a judgment-free zone. We are here to get you back on top of your game and living your best life. No more peeing your pants!

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If you’re ready to take the first step toward treating urinary incontinence, please book an appointment online today!