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- Did I Just Have an Accident?
It seemed that the only advice I got was to “do a kegel,” but I needed more than that.
By Angela Hatem
Updated: Feb. 20, 2024
Originally Published: March 31, 2022
You may have heard the phrase, “I need to pee every two seconds!” Most people say this as a joke, but for me, it became a reality. For two long years, I constantly felt the urge to urinate. When I shared this with others, they laughed and blamed it on having a baby. At first, I accepted this explanation; after all, my son was a hefty 10-pounder. But I was 15 months postpartum, and everything else had been going well, so there had to be more to it.
I scheduled an appointment with my doctor, and after a quick assessment, we suspected it was a typical UTI. Two doses of antibiotics later, it was clear that wasn’t the issue. Next, we considered kidney stones, but a CAT scan ruled that out. Then, we ventured into scarier territory, including ovarian and bladder cancer. After numerous tests, consultations with two urologists, and various examinations, the medical conclusion was simply, “You’re fine. Just do a Kegel.”
But I wasn’t fine, and I didn’t need a Kegel. Maybe a bagel, but definitely not a Kegel. What I truly needed was for someone to truly listen to my concerns and not to dismiss me as just another Kegel case. After months of frustration, tears, and feeling ignored by multiple doctors, someone finally heard me. This person was not my gynecologist or urologist; it was my chiropractor. Dr. Abigail F. Eaton, a Webster-certified chiropractor specializing in women’s health, suggested that I was likely dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction. Until that moment, I had never even heard the term “pelvic floor.”
Not only does the pelvic floor exist, but there are also physical therapists focused on its issues. M.S. Nancy Anderson, founder of Ab Rehab and the Birth Recovery Center, confirmed that women with similar symptoms often feel dismissed or misunderstood.
“This outdated advice of ‘just do Kegels’ has persisted for too long,” Anderson explains. “Many women are misinformed and actually create more dysfunction because of it.” She highlights that one common but often overlooked issue is a hypertonic pelvic floor, which means the pelvic muscles are overly tight.
Symptoms can include pain during intercourse, leaking, difficulty engaging the pelvic floor, pelvic pain, constipation, and, of course, that incessant urgency. While I was told to strengthen my pelvic floor, what I really needed was to relax it.
I had fallen victim to a pelvic floor misdiagnosis. People looked at me and assumed I needed to strengthen it, when in fact, I needed to release the tension. This is a common occurrence, but it doesn’t have to be the norm, according to the experts.
Dr. Eaton emphasizes the importance of being a compassionate listener and providing viable solutions for women facing health challenges. In my case, she not only listened; she implemented a treatment plan that included chiropractic care, massage therapy, and a referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist. Though I still experience occasional flare-ups, I’m feeling much better now.
Once I can successfully relax my pelvic floor, I can then focus on rebuilding strength. “It’s vital to release tension first,” says Anderson. “After that, it often becomes clear that there is also weakness, but we can’t strengthen until we can access the pelvic floor properly,” she adds.
When I’m ready to strengthen my pelvic floor, I plan to explore programs like Anderson’s Ab Rehab, which helps individuals like me safely build a robust pelvic floor. “Healing your core and pelvic floor is always possible,” Anderson assures.
My advice to others facing similar issues is to advocate for yourself. Keep searching until you find a knowledgeable expert who validates your concerns. Trust your instincts, and remember that while pelvic floor problems are common, they’re not normal. You don’t have to live with them.
Being overlooked doesn’t mean you should be dismissed. Remember that you deserve to be heard and to travel without constant restroom breaks. Keep speaking up—you’ll eventually find the right person who listens.
Angela Hatem loves piña coladas, enjoys getting caught in the rain, and has a penchant for soft rock. Raised in Homestead, FL, and now living in Indianapolis, IN, she relishes her single life with her son and enjoys the company of her friends and family. She seeks humor in everyday life and often checks under the couch cushions for spare change.
For more insights on this topic, check out this other blog post. If you’re looking for professional guidance, visit this authoritative source on pelvic floor health. Additionally, here’s an excellent resource for information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
This article discusses the author’s struggle with a persistent urge to urinate after childbirth, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction. After feeling dismissed by multiple healthcare providers, she finds relief through chiropractic care and pelvic floor therapy. The piece emphasizes the need for women to advocate for their health and not to settle for inadequate answers.