Introduction
Stress urinary incontinence is a common problem among women after childbirth. It manifests as uncontrolled leakage of urine during physical activity, coughing, sneezing, or laughing. This case study presents the story of a 31-year-old woman who experienced first-degree stress urinary incontinence, urgency, and vaginal wall prolapse after childbirth.
History
I am 31 years old and have two children, both born naturally. During my first childbirth (my daughter weighed 4000 grams), I had an episiotomy, perineal tearing, and perineal repair surgery six months after childbirth. The second childbirth was almost 6 years later, my son weighed 4170 grams, and there was no need for an episiotomy. 🙂
I quickly got back in shape after childbirth and had no problems breastfeeding. However, I started to be bothered by the unpleasant smell of urine and the need to rush to the toilet as soon as I felt the urge. The worst part was that I couldn't take a step when I felt the urge.
I went to a gynecologist for a routine check-up, and he stated that I had a prolapsed vaginal wall and ordered blood tests. After these tests, I was supposed to start pharmacological treatment. I searched for other methods and came across information about Kegel exercises. Despite thinking I was doing them, there were no effects.
On Instagram, I found information about PelviFly. I started following urogynecological physiotherapists. Finally, after some time, I decided to purchase the internal device kGoal with an app (the price held me back for a while) and the PelviCoach Care Program, knowing that without a specialist's support, it would be difficult for me to train regularly and effectively with the device.
What effects did I achieve after 5 months of pelvic floor muscle exercises in the PelviCoach Care Program?
I trained for over 5 months at home under the care of a physiotherapist. I noticed incredible progress in my workouts; what was impossible at the beginning became easy. The exercises didn't take long, but every day I had to find 15 minutes to train calmly. I didn't have 100% attendance in my workouts, but the breaks were 1-day long or slightly longer during menstruation.
The effects I achieved: My underwear stopped smelling bad after 4 hours :)), meaning the urine leakage disappeared, and I could calmly get to the toilet. Constipation disappeared – although I never focused on it, my abdomen's appearance changed, and vaginal gases during intercourse disappeared. I never connected them with pelvic floor muscle problems, but over time, the problem was eliminated.
How did the objective results in muscle tests and strength change?
The strength of the pelvic floor muscles increased from 2 to 19 mmHg.