Urinary incontinence after childbirth: 5 effective solutions

Did you give birth a few weeks, a few months ago… or even several years ago, and have you been suffering from minor urinary incontinence ever since?

A sneeze, a fit of laughter, a workout, or even just running after your children can become embarrassing. You're not alone: urinary incontinence after childbirth affects nearly 1 in 3 women. Yet, many women don't dare talk about it—even though effective, painless solutions exist today, tailored to each individual situation.

Why does childbirth weaken the perineum?

During pregnancy, the baby's weight puts significant pressure on the pelvic floor muscles (perineum). During childbirth, these muscles can be stretched or weakened, especially after a vaginal delivery—but sometimes also after a cesarean section.

However, the perineum plays an essential role in supporting the bladder and controlling urination.

When these muscles become less efficient, urinary incontinence can occur, including:

• while coughing,

• while sneezing,

• laughing,

• by playing sports,

• or during everyday efforts.

This is referred to as stress urinary incontinence , the most common form after pregnancy.

5 effective solutions for urinary incontinence after pregnancy

1. Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises consist of repeatedly contracting and then relaxing the perineal muscles in order to gradually strengthen them.

They can be done at home and are often the recommended first step.

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• require a high degree of regularity,

• results sometimes slow,

• Many women contract the wrong muscles without realizing it.

  
  

2. Perineal rehabilitation with a professional

Perineal rehabilitation sessions carried out by a midwife or a specialized physiotherapist allow for better targeting of the pelvic floor muscles.

In Belgium, several sessions are reimbursed after childbirth.

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• requires several weeks/months of treatment.

• The effectiveness varies depending on the degree of muscle relaxation.

• Some patients may experience discomfort during the sessions.

  
  

3. Intravaginal devices

Pessaries and vaginal cones can help support the perineum or gradually strengthen the pelvic muscles.

They are sometimes used as a complement to rehabilitation.

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• require appropriate training and monitoring,

• Some patients may experience discomfort related to the intravaginal use of the device.

  
  

4. Urinary incontinence surgery

In some more severe cases, surgical intervention (such as suburethral slinging) may be offered.

This solution can offer very good results when conservative treatments are no longer sufficient.

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• requires anesthesia and a recovery period.

• It involves potential risks and complications, as with any surgery.

• generally reserved for persistent or advanced cases.

  
  

5. Emsella: a modern, non-invasive and painless solution

Emsella treatment represents a recent advance in the management of female urinary incontinence.

Available at the Rhode Clinic in Rhode-Saint-Genèse, this technology uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic fields (HIFEM®) to deeply stimulate the pelvic floor muscles.

How does Emsella work?

In a session of just 28 minutes , the Emsella chair causes approximately 11,200 supramaximal muscle contractions , impossible to reproduce voluntarily with classic exercises.

These contractions allow us to:

• strengthening the perineum

• improve bladder support,

• reduce urinary incontinence,

• to improve the quality of daily life.

The benefits of Emsella treatment

• non-invasive treatment,

• no pain

• no surgery

• no recovery period,

• The session was conducted while fully clothed.

The recommended protocol generally includes 6 sessions , at a rate of 2 sessions per week for 3 weeks.

What do clinical studies show?

The published studies report, in particular:

• a significant reduction in episodes of urinary incontinence,

• a significant improvement in quality of life,

• Results are sometimes visible from the very first sessions.

  
  

Which solution should I choose?

The best treatment depends on:

• the importance of the symptoms,

• of your age

• of your lifestyle,

• of your obstetric history,

• and your expectations.

For some women, pelvic floor rehabilitation is sufficient. For others, more modern solutions like Emsella offer faster results , without surgery or disruption to daily life.

A personalized medical opinion remains essential in order to choose the most appropriate treatment.

Would you like to learn more about Emsella treatment?

The Rhode Clinic in Rhode-Saint-Genèse offers personalized care for urinary incontinence and perineal laxity.

👉 Book an appointment directly via the website: www.santepelvienne.be/prise-de-rendez-vous