What causes urinary incontinence after childbirth?

Aug 29, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, postpartum urinary incontinence may be caused by various factors such as birth injuries, decreased estrogen levels, urethritis, cystitis, and neurogenic bladder. During childbirth, the passage of the fetus through the birth canal exerts significant pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and nerves, potentially causing muscle tears or nerve damage. This can weaken the support and control over the bladder, leading to urinary leakage.

Under normal circumstances, postpartum urinary incontinence may be caused by various factors such as birth injuries, decreased estrogen levels, urethritis, cystitis, and neurogenic bladder. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Birth Injury

During childbirth, the passage of the fetus through the birth canal exerts significant pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and nerves, potentially causing muscle tears or nerve damage. This can weaken the support and control over the bladder, leading to urine leakage. Pelvic floor muscle exercises (e.g., Kegel exercises) can help strengthen these muscles.

2. Decreased Estrogen Levels

After childbirth, especially during breastfeeding, estrogen levels decline. This can negatively affect the health of the urethra and bladder neck, contributing to urinary leakage. It is advisable to maintain adequate fluid intake, and regular urination may also help reduce episodes of incontinence.

3. Urethritis

Postpartum women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections due to reduced immunity and poor personal hygiene, which may lead to urethritis. Inflammation from urethritis causes congestion and swelling of the urethral mucosa, impairing the closure function of the urethral sphincter and resulting in urine leakage. Symptoms may also include frequent urination and urgency. Patients may take medications such as levofloxacin tablets, cefixime tablets, or azithromycin capsules as prescribed by a doctor to relieve symptoms.

4. Cystitis

Cystitis may result from a urinary tract infection. The inflammation leads to congestion, edema, and even ulceration of the bladder mucosa, disrupting the bladder’s ability to store and void urine properly, thereby causing urinary leakage. Common accompanying symptoms include painful urination and hematuria (blood in urine). Patients are advised to take medications such as moxifloxacin hydrochloride tablets, atropine sulfate tablets, or diazepam tablets under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

5. Neurogenic Bladder

Neurogenic bladder is a condition characterized by dysfunction of the bladder and urethra due to neurological disorders. After delivery, nerve damage during childbirth or viral infections may disrupt coordination between the detrusor muscle of the bladder and the urethral sphincter, resulting in urinary leakage. Other symptoms may include urinary incontinence and difficulty urinating. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as sildenafil citrate tablets, furosemide tablets, or terazosin hydrochloride tablets to alleviate symptoms.

In daily life, maintaining a regular sleep schedule and a positive mindset, keeping the external genital area clean and dry, and avoiding shared baths or towels—items that may transmit pathogens—can help prevent infections.

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