How to repair the pelvic floor muscles after childbirth

Postpartum pelvic floor muscle injury is primarily caused by the process of childbirth, during which the fetus passing through the birth canal can stretch and damage the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments. It can generally be repaired through self-exercises, physical therapy, specialized treatments, surgical interventions, and assistive devices. If concerned, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Self-exercises: This is the foundational method for postpartum pelvic floor muscle recovery. Women can perform exercises such as Kegel exercises and yoga to contract the pelvic floor muscles and promote muscle recovery. These exercises can strengthen pelvic floor muscle tone, improve urinary control, and enhance sexual quality of life. It is recommended to perform these exercises 2–3 times daily, each session lasting 10–15 minutes, with better results achieved through long-term adherence.

2. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy includes modalities such as physiotherapy, massage, and microwave therapy, which can promote blood circulation and muscle contractions in the pelvic floor muscles, accelerating the healing process. This approach is suitable for women with mild pelvic floor dysfunction and typically needs to be conducted under the guidance of a professional physician.

3. Specialized Therapy: Common specialized treatments include biofeedback therapy and electrical stimulation therapy. Biofeedback therapy monitors physiological parameters of the pelvic floor muscles to guide patients in adjusting their body movements to achieve the purpose of exercise and recovery. Electrical stimulation therapy uses mild electric currents to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles, inducing contractions and restoring function. These methods are usually performed in hospitals or specialized postpartum rehabilitation centers.

4. Surgical Treatment: Some severe cases of pelvic floor dysfunction, such as vaginal prolapse or uterine prolapse, may require surgical repair. Surgery is typically considered only when non-surgical treatments have proven ineffective and must be performed under a physician's guidance.

5. Assistive Devices: Using assistive tools such as vaginal weights for pelvic floor muscle training can also yield good results. However, when using such devices, it is essential to follow medical advice to avoid adverse effects from improper use.

Women can choose suitable methods for pelvic floor muscle recovery based on their individual conditions. At the same time, maintaining healthy lifestyle and dietary habits can also aid in the recovery of the pelvic floor muscles.