Postnatal Incontinence
Incontinence is the involuntary loss of either urine or feces (or both) due to a weakness in the pelvic floor. The most common type of urinary incontinence in women is stress urinary incontinence and urge urinary incontinence. Sometimes, you can have a mix.
Stress urinary incontinence is caused by loss of support of the urethra and can be a consequence of damage to structures during childbirth. Symptoms include leakage of small amounts of urine with activities that increase abdominal pressure such as coughing, sneezing, laughing as well as engaging in high-impact athletic events. Urge urinary incontinence is characterized by leaking large amounts of urine without warning, or by not having enough time to reach the restroom.
In treating patients with either urge, stress or mixed urinary incontinence, the Hemmett Healthcare team with evaluate the overall tone and symmetry of your pelvic floor muscles as well as your ability to perform a pelvic floor contraction. Based on the exam findings, we will then prescribe a specific and unique program to perform both in-office and at home. We strive to make the homework as efficient and effective as possible! Many women notice significant changes in their condition within weeks of beginning their program.
Fecal incontinence is another common condition with patients who suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction. Simply, it is the involuntary loss of feces. Most times, this condition is also an outcome from damage to one or more of the the musculoskeletal pelvic floor structure(s). The same approach as urinary incontinence is used by our skilled physicians to help manage and treat patients with symptoms of fecal incontinence.
We understand that this is a very personal and intimate condition and we strive and pledge to offer sensitive, thorough care, thereby empowering you to overcome and be free from the burden of your pelvic floor dysfunction.