The Impact of Pelvic Floor Exercises on the Quality of Life of Women with Urinary Incontinence – Analysis of Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period

Zarawski Marcin, Kołomańska Daria, Maj Maria, Panicz Daria, Opławski Marcin and Mazur-Bialy Agnieszka Irena*

Background: Urinary incontinence is a common symptom observed in modern times, which may affect 7–37% of women aged 20–39 and 9–39% after the age of 60. Pregnancy and natural delivery are  important risk factors increasing the likelihood of incontinence. 

The context and purpose of the study: In the current study we evaluated the impact of pelvic floor muscle training on the occurrence and intensity of urine leakage in women in three different periods: during pregnancy, until 6 weeks postpartum and up to 12 months after childbirth. In addition, we examined the contribution of pelvic floor exercise to changes in the quality of life of women with urinary incontinence. 

Results: According to our research, urinary incontinence may affect up to 45% of women in the postpartum period, and although subsequently its incidence significantly drops, incontinence substantially reduced the quality of life of the study group. Nevertheless, regular pelvic floor training was observed to not only reduce the frequency and intensity of urinary incontinence in both pregnancy and the postpartum period, but also significantly improve the quality of life of the subjects. Therefore, this group should be included in a special program focusing on the prevention and physiotherapy of incontinence. 

Conclusions: Our study shows the importance of educating the public about the role of prophylaxis in the prevention of urinary incontinence and confirms that pelvic floor training is an effective method of prophylaxis and therapy of urine leakage during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Keywords:

Published on: Mar 14, 2017 Pages: 35-41

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/2455-5487.000044
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