Women and Lower Urinary Tract Health: Expert Explains The Silent Crisis No One Talks About After Childbirth

Add as a preferred source on Google

Most women walk into childbirth knowing about labour pains, stitches, breastfeeding struggles, and sleepless nights. What almost no one prepares them for is how much the bladder can misbehave after delivery.

"It's one of the most common postpartum concerns I see in my clinic, yet it remains buried under embarrassment and the belief that this is normal after having a baby," said Dr Manjula Anagani, Padma Shri Awardee, Clinical Director, Robotic Gynaecologist and HOD, Care Vatsalya, Women and Child Institute, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.

The truth is simple: urinary issues after childbirth are medical conditions, not character flaws or signs of poor recovery. And when addressed early, most women return to full control and comfort.

Bladder Issues After Childbirth

Here are the quiet realities young mothers should know, and the practical solutions that make recovery smoother.

1. The bladder doesn't bounce back overnight

Photo Credit: Freepik

"Pregnancy and delivery put enormous pressure on the pelvic floor, the muscles, nerves, and tissues that support the bladder. Long labour, instrumental delivery, epidural analgesia, or even pushing for many hours can temporarily slow down the nerves that control urine flow," said Dr Anagani.

This can lead to hesitancy, a weak stream, or the sense that the bladder isn't fully empty. It's frustrating, but with time, hydration, and guided pelvic floor exercises, these nerves usually recover well.

2. Leaking is common, but never "normal"

"Stress incontinence, leaking while laughing, sneezing, or lifting the baby, affects many new mothers, even those who had uncomplicated deliveries. The cause is almost always the same: stretched or weakened pelvic muscles that need retraining, not lifelong pads," explained Dr Anagani.

Early physiotherapy, targeted strengthening, and posture correction often reverse this completely. The earlier you begin, the quicker the recovery.

3. Painful sex and bladder discomfort often go hand in hand

Photo Credit: Freepik

"After childbirth, especially when breastfeeding, the vaginal tissues become drier and more sensitive. When sex becomes uncomfortable, the pelvic muscles tighten instinctively," said Dr Anagani.

This muscle clenching adds pressure to the bladder, creating urgency, heaviness, or the feeling of needing to rush to the washroom.

Moisturisers, local oestrogen (when suitable), relaxation techniques, and open conversations with a clinician can break this cycle and restore comfort.

4. Ignoring bladder symptoms can affect long-term kidney health

This is the part most women are never told. Repeated incomplete emptying or chronic retention strains the entire urinary system, including the kidneys. While this progression is not common, it's a reminder that bladder care is not cosmetic; it's essential internal health.

5. A wide range of treatments exist - most are non-invasive

"From pelvic floor therapy to behavioural training, from pessaries to local PRP, and from HIFEM chairs to simple bladder-retraining routines, modern treatment is far gentler than women imagine. Surgical procedures like TVT-O are reserved only for selected cases when conservative measures aren't enough," shared Dr Anagani.

6. Speak up early - it changes everything

The biggest barrier is silence. Many young mothers quietly adjust their lives around leaks, urgency, night-time trips, or pelvic pain because they assume this is the "new normal."
It isn't. With timely medical guidance, most regain full control, confidence, and comfort - without complicated interventions.

Bottomline

Dr Anagani concluded, "Your body has done something extraordinary. You deserve care that helps you feel at ease again. If bladder symptoms are affecting your routine - even slightly; that's your cue to speak to a gynaecologist. Early action is simple, effective, and life-changing."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.