Pelvic Floor

[Redwalk]

Two kids and two episiotomies later, first at age 35 second at age 39. Now been left with pelvic floor issues. This involves peeing a little (or a lot) when I run, I have given up running as exercise as a result but I do still have a three year old to run after and trains, buses to catch which I am frequently late for! Also pee a little when I cough and / or sneeze. Sex is less satisfying to say the least for both me and my husband which has resulted in a general lack of interest on my behalf and sexual frustration on his. I went to the doctor a few months ago and he advised kegals which I have been doing but not regularly. Back trying again to do them more regularly and downloaded an app that reminds me to do them. He did mentioned an option of surgery which I assume is vagina meshing but with all the bad press I didn't pursue the conversation. What I want to know is what success have people had with just the kegals, how many, how often and for how long did you do them before you had any improvement? What level of improvement can I expect? I don't expect I'll ever be back to pre child birth days but I would at least like to stop peeing myself in public! I have started wearing pantie liners all the time which helps but it is far from a solution. Anyone tried anything else and had success? I think you can also use some weights and or have some physical therapy, my doctor was a little sceptical about the physical therapy though. Please be gentle if responding, it has taken me a long time to admit and face it is a problem (even to myself never mind anyone else).

Hi,
I have one DC, 6 months old, has episiotomy & 3rd degree tear. I consider myself lucky that I recovered really well and have no incontinance issues at all. I was really strict on doing pelvic floor exercises six times a day for several months. I now do them three times a day. I did them before & through pregnancy too, which probably helped but I do believe that starting them anytime and keeping at it helps. I do a range of exercises (short holds, longer holds, ‘stepping’ my muscles up & down etc) I also find Pilates really improves my interval muscles generally, so might be worth trying.
Basically I’d say yes, it will help if you keep at it. My gynaecologist said you need to do them for the rest of your life to keep everything where it should be. Boring, but worth it if it works.
Also ask if you can see a women’s health physio, mine really helped with this sort of thing. Good luck x

Thanks so much for the advice, I think I need to up my game on the kegals and do them a bit more frequently and consistently.

I had no idea I was supposed to do them so much at first, luckily my Midwife really drilled it into me!
The gynaecologist seemed surprised I was actually doing them, so I think it’s more common than not to have issues afterwards.

Kegels are great but it takes a long time (I have buggered my pelvic floor and whilst continent, the muscles are v weak and I have a prolapse as a result) - download Squeezy (NHS app) and do 3 or 4 sets a day (the app times you for 10 long and 10 quick contractions per set). It may be because I have pelvic nerve damage that it took so long, but I did this every day for 7 months without really seeing any change, and then suddenly things got loads stronger seemingly overnight.

Definitely pursue a physio referral too, they are brill!

Pilates is absolutely brilliant for strengthening pelvic floor muscles. It’s made a massive difference to me and several other mums I know who’ve had similar problems. Definitely worth looking into seeing if you can find a local class!

Yep, tanquaray is right. I do Pilates too - the instructor is a qualified physio who knows about my prolapse and helps me modify when needed. It’s a big help!