Monthly Knowledge Drop - August
Each month we'll share answers to some of our favourite questions you've submitted via email and Instagram! To submit a question for next month, email us at contact@ladybirdpt.com or message us on Instagram @ladybirdpt.
1. My OBgyn said my pain with sex is probably because of nursing because everything looks normal. Is there anything I can do?
There are a number of common causes of pain with sex postpartum. Some of the most common include scar tissue, muscle guarding and hormonal changes. Folks who are breast or chestfeeding will have decreased estrogen at the vaginal opening which can lead to sensations like burning or stinging at the vaginal opening. Talking to your OB or midwife about starting a topical estrogen cream can help! Topical estrogen has been found to be safe to use for folks who are lactating and even those with estrogen-dominant cancers.
It's important to keep in mind that pain with sex is often multifactorial. Seeing a pelvic floor PT can help you identify the cause of your pain and the best course of treatment for you.
2. Is leaking while pregnant (specifically sneezing) a concern? Or only postpartum?
Research has shown us that people who experience leakage during pregnancy are likely to continue experiencing leakage postpartum. Furthermore, it has also shown us that people who have leakage at 3 months postpartum are likely to continue having it years postpartum if left untreated. With that said, the sooner you seek treatment for leakage, the sooner it gets better! Leakage does not need to be accepted as your normal at any point in your pregnancy or postpartum journey and it is never too early to begin working on your bladder health.
Urinary incontinence is a sign that something isn't working optimally in your system. It can occur because of pelvic floor muscle weakness, abdominal and pelvic floor muscle tightness, faulty bladder habits or difficulty coordinating the muscles that support your pelvic floor. Treatment with PT for leakage is extremely effective during pregnancy, early postpartum and years down the road, too!
3. I'm 6 months postpartum and still having pubic symphysis pain. I thought this was supposed to go away with birth. Is this forever?
A number of factors contribute to the development of pubic symphysis pain including hormonal changes, postural changes, changes to activity level during and following pregnancy, muscle weakness and tightness from a body adapting to huge changes during pregnancy... just to name a few. While pubic symphysis pain can sometimes resolve on its own following childbirth, that's not always the case!
The pain of any kind does not need to be accepted as your new normal. Some simple tricks to help calm pubic symphysis pain include: sleeping with a pillow between your ankles and knees, sitting with your legs parallel (not crossing your knees and ankles), engaging your core before movements that typically cause pain, sitting down to put on pants and socks, getting in and out of a car with knees together instead of one leg at a time. With that said, if you're having pain, we recommend an evaluation by a physical therapist who can help you determine the cause of your pain.
Thanks so much for reading this month's knowledge drop! Don't forget to submit your questions for next month at contact@ladybirdpt.com!
Ready to take control of your pelvic health? Contact us here or call us at 512-766-2649 for a free phone consultation to learn more about how pelvic floor PT can help you.