Urinary Incontinence After Childbirth Explained with Dr Tzippi Ben-Harim

We are joined by Dr. Tzippora Ben-Harim, head of Gynaecology at Women's Health Melbourne, about urinary incontinence after childbirth. Urinary incontinence is common, affecting 1 in 3 to 1 in 4 women postpartum and occurs in two main forms: stress incontinence (leaking with coughing/sneezing) and urge incontinence (not making it to the toilet in time). The condition results from pressure on the pelvic floor during pregnancy, trauma from vaginal delivery, and postpartum oestrogen deficiency, particularly in breastfeeding women. We discuss all types of treatment:  Conservative management including vaginal oestrogen therapy and pelvic floor physiotherapy satisfies most women's needs Pessaries can provide temporary relief for those requiring additional support Surgical options are typically reserved until family planning is complete due to risk of recurrence Lifestyle modifications include reducing caffeine intake and maintaining proper hydration Preventive measures include prenatal pelvic floor exercises and optimising general health before pregnancy Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email [email protected]. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia LewDiscount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUPWebsite: ellechemy.com.au/Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi MorrisonGuest: Dr Tzippi Ben-HarimSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.