Mom of 3 Is Active and Carefree After Incontinence Treatment
October 31, 2024
Frequently, postpartum changes, both emotionally and physically, are minimized in how they are portrayed in society. When it comes to incontinence, for instance, women may be told to expect to leak during and after pregnancy. But incontinence is actually extremely common (50% of women experience incontinence at some point in their lives), and can sometimes be debilitating.
When Imani Waldman, 33, of Old Bridge, New Jersey, could no longer lift her third child out of his crib without leaking, she knew something wasn’t right.
“Mothers always talk about how you pee a little when you sneeze. So, I thought it was all normal after my first child,” she says. “Then, after my second, it was more noticeable.”
During a postpartum checkup after her third child, Imani’s gynecologist tested the strength of her pelvic floor muscles and was surprised by the results.
“The doctor told me to squeeze like I was doing a kegel [an exercise that squeezes the pelvic floor muscles]. I said, ‘I am!’” Imani says. But her doctor couldn’t feel the muscles contracting; her pelvic floor muscles were so weak she couldn’t contract them at all.
Urogynecological Treatment to Fix Incontinence
After that visit, she found urogynecologist Nina Bhatia, M.D., in March 2023. Dr. Bhatia confirmed that Imani’s condition was stress incontinence, a type of urinary incontinence triggered by physical activities like coughing, sneezing or exercising.
Dr. Bhatia says the condition is prevalent, with one in three women experiencing stress incontinence. Contributing factors include childbirth (especially vaginal deliveries), aging, obesity and other lifestyle factors such as smoking and physical activity levels.
The impact of stress incontinence on a woman’s quality of life can be significant. It can lead to social isolation, anxiety, depression and a reduction in physical activity, which can exacerbate other health issues. Effective management and treatment options include pelvic floor muscle training, lifestyle modifications, and surgical and non-surgical interventions.
To treat Imani’s incontinence, Dr. Bhatia performed the Bulkamid procedure, during which a doctor inserts a needle into the lining of the urethra, just below the bladder. First, local anesthetic is injected and then the Bulkamid hydrogel, which acts as a bulking agent and narrows the urethra, reducing urine leakage. It can be performed in the office or under light sedation, takes about 10 minutes and lasts seven years or longer.
“It’s an excellent procedure for patients who want something noninvasive,” Dr. Bhatia says. “Most patients can expect to see about 90 percent improvement. Our goal is to improve the incontinence so they don't need pads or panty liners anymore.”
Free From Incontinence After Bulkamid Procedure
The procedure not only improved Imani’s stress incontinence but also alleviated the psychological burden she had been carrying. "It's amazing how long I suffered through so much time with my symptoms when it was an easy fix," she says, noting that her recovery time took about six weeks due to the complexity of her case. Most patients, however, require little to no downtime.
Imani says she can now be active with her kids and lift them without leaking. She can exercise and doesn’t constantly worry about the location of the nearest bathroom. But she’s gotten even bigger plans for the future.
“I was worried about future postpartum recovery. I am no longer afraid of having a fourth child in the future!” Imani says.
Next Steps & Resources
- Meet our source: Nina Bhatia, M.D.
- To make an appointment with a urogynecologist near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
- Learn more about urogynecology and women’s health at Hackensack Meridian Health.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
