Many people cautiously bring up stories of feeling embarrassed by the sound of air escaping during intercourse. It doesn't only happen during sex. It also occurs during exercises that involve significant changes in posture, such as yoga or Pilates, and when swimming. First, let me tell you, this is not flatulence.
Why do I feel this way after childbirth?
Many people feel that their body has completely changed after childbirth. It's a matter of degree, but most people feel this way. The cause is a change in the pelvic floor muscles, which supported the bladder and uterus from below. The pelvic floor muscles are like a hammock that supports the organs, and they can stretch downwards after prolonged support of a heavy uterus during pregnancy. Even after childbirth, when the uterus becomes lighter, some parts may not return to their previous elasticity.
In the case of vaginal delivery, the baby's head and shoulders pass through the pelvis and vagina. While it does contract again, it can be difficult for it to become exactly the same. A C-section might result in less change, but since the weight borne during pregnancy is the same, some degree of relaxation will occur.
Signs you can check in daily life
- Actual sounds during intercourse
- Feeling air escaping or water entering in the swimming pool
- Leaking a small amount of urine when coughing or laughing
- Feeling loose during intercourse and a decrease in sexual sensation
- A heavy feeling below
However, a heavy feeling can also occur due to fibroids or adenomyosis, in addition to vaginal relaxation. Therefore, when you visit, we first check with an ultrasound to see if there is an actual problem or if it is truly just relaxation.
Many people worry that if they come with these symptoms, they will be unconditionally recommended for surgery, but that is not the case. The priority is when the symptoms started, when childbirth occurred, and in what situations and how often they occur.
What we observe in the examination room
We check for other problems with the vagina and uterus using ultrasound and speculum examination. We also perform a urine test to determine if there is urinary incontinence. During the internal examination, we check how much strength you can exert and if the direction of exertion is correct, and we directly guide you on how to do Kegel exercises. We also use a device that assists pelvic exercises with magnetic fields.
What is the sequence of treatment?
If diagnosed with vaginal relaxation, the textbook first step is Kegel exercises. Since it takes time for muscles to develop, it is important to do them daily, even if only a little. If you link them to tasks you do while standing anyway, like washing dishes, you won't forget. If you want faster changes, vaginal laser or collagen procedures inserted into the vagina may be helpful.
Surgery is divided into three types. If daily life is uncomfortable due to urinary incontinence, urinary incontinence surgery is performed. If vaginal relaxation is severe, vaginoplasty is performed. If there is uterine prolapse where the uterus has descended, surgery to lift or remove the uterus will be performed.
We hope you do not experience a drop in self-esteem or sadness due to changes in your body after childbirth. A body that has nurtured a life and brought it into the world is precious in itself. Please feel free to come for a check-up and talk to us.