Fecal Incontinence – The Episiotomy Connection
Many women do not realize fully the risks that are associated with childbirth. One of these risks is that of experiencing fecal incontinence when a woman has an episiotomy during childbirth. Should this occur the woman will need to find the right incontinence product to help her manage the fecal incontinence. There is a wide variety of incontinence products that can help any woman do this. Some women choose to use an adult diaper while others feel more comfortable using incontinence underwear with an incontinence pad. One of the best incontinence pads can be found as part of the Abena adult diaper line.
Whether you choose to use an adult diaper or some type of incontinence underwear this can be a helpful strategy in managing fecal incontinence that can occur after episiotomy. It is important to carefully consider the different types of incontinence supplies to find the right incontinence product for your needs. It is also important to buy incontinence products for women so that your needs will be met.
Doctors use an episiotomy when there is danger of a tear occurring in the muscles that are located between the vagina and the rectum. This procedure is often used when there is a need to deliver the baby faster or if the baby is extremely large. Using an episiotomy simply helps to widen the birth canal. While not all women have this procedure done it is most often done in first time pregnancies. Most women do not need this procedure or decline it in subsequent childbirths.
However, the episiotomy does pose subsequent risk for developing fecal incontinence. Many women experience bleeding, infection, and damage to the anal sphincter muscle when this is performed. The problem occurs when there is damage to the muscles and nerves in the anus. The woman will then begin to lose control over bowel functions. This can bring about a serious change in lifestyle if the condition remains untreated.
The good news is that there are steps that you can take to help avoid this possible scenario. These steps include:
– Do Kegel exercises-Studies have shown that women who regularly do Kegel exercises before and during the pregnancy can prevent or reduce the chances of damage being done to the anal muscles. Kegels will also help to strengthen all of the muscles on the pelvic floor which can aid in a better delivery with less damage occurring. Finally, if a woman does Kegel exercises and the anal muscles are damaged as the result of having an episiotomy, because they are toned and stronger they will recover faster.
– Ask your doctor about alternatives-Today, there are many other alternatives to having an episiotomy. However, if you are interested in exploring them you need to discuss this with your doctor long before your delivery date. You should have a clear understanding of exactly when and how an episiotomy would be performed. You want to make sure that you and your doctor are on the same page when it comes to this procedure that could have a lasting impact on your future health status.
Every pregnant woman wants to come out of childbirth with a healthy baby and her health intact. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are management strategies and treatment should develop fecal incontinence as the result of having an episiotomy. While you are seeking treatment you can also use the right incontinence products to help you manage this problem.
Dianna Malkowski is a Board Certified Physician Assistant and Mayo Clinic trained nutritionist specializing in diabetes, cancer, wound healing, therapeutic diets and nutrition support. Also good at guiding right Incontinence supplies.
Visit the Care Giver Partnership for more info on Incontinence Underwear.
Incontinence is not a normal part of the aging process. Seniors are more at risk of developing incontinence from a variety of different factors.
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Author Bio: Dianna Malkowski is a Board Certified Physician Assistant and Mayo Clinic trained nutritionist specializing in diabetes, cancer, wound healing, therapeutic diets and nutrition support. Also good at guiding right Incontinence supplies.
Visit the Care Giver Partnership for more info on Incontinence Underwear.
Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Incontinence products, Incontinence supplies, Adult diapers, Male incontinence pads