Survey data highlights substantial impact of postpartum incontinence

Recent findings from a survey conducted by Aeroflow Urology reveal the substantial impact of postpartum urinary incontinence on mothers as well as the lack of health care provided to address these needs.¹

The majority of women suggested that more attention needs to be given to the bladder issues that new moms experience.

In total, the survey included 966 mothers who were based in the US and had given birth in the previous 4 years.

The findings first showcased how common postpartum incontinence is, with 85% of respondents indicating they experienced frequent bladder leaks. Overall, 36% experienced daily bladder leakage, and 49% experienced weekly bladder leakage. More than half (60%) of respondents said they experienced incontinence at more than 6 months postpartum.

Additionally, 76% of mothers indicated they experienced stress urinary incontinence, with 50% experiencing leaks during coughing and sneezing, specifically.

The findings also highlighted the impact that postpartum incontinence has on mothers, with 3 of 4 respondents indicating their daily activities were hindered by bladder leaks. Overall, 71% of respondents reported feeling anxious, stressed, and self-conscious due to their incontinence, and 67% said they had to miss out on activities with family and friends due to postpartum incontinence.

Further, 60% of mothers said they suffered from further complications such as urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, and skin irritations due to their incontinence.

The survey also shed light on the lack of care that mothers with postpartum incontinence received. In fact, only 15% of respondents indicated they had received resources and supplies from a health care provider to help manage their incontinence.

The women also overwhelmingly suggested that more resources and information would have improved their recovery experience. Specifically, 80% said their provider could have better educated them about this issue, and 75% indicated that having more resources would have helped to decrease their stress and anxiety. Nearly half of respondents said more information on exercises to prevent or control their bladder leaks would have been beneficial for their recovery.

Overall, the majority of women in the survey (95%) suggested that more attention needs to be given to the bladder issues that new moms experience.

“Postpartum is arguably the most difficult time in a mother’s life as she is navigating a new baby and extreme changes to her body. Adding in the stress of urinary incontinence without any medical assistance can leave most mothers feeling isolated and defeated. These survey results indicate there is still much to be done to help mothers navigate this period of life," explained Aleece R. Fosnight, MSPAS, PA-C, CSC-S, CSE, NCMP, IF, HAES, founder, owner, and director of the Fosnight Center for Sexual Health and medical adviser to Aeroflow Urology, in the news release.¹ “These findings show that we must pay more attention to women’s pelvic floor health and as health care providers, we must provide more adequate resources that educate, inform, and prepare mothers to manage their urinary incontinence.”

References

1. New survey from Aeroflow Urology reveals lack of postpartum incontinence care causes lasting health problems for mothers. News release. Aeroflow Health. February 5, 2025. Accessed February 11, 2025. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/02/05/3021243/0/en/New-Survey-from-Aeroflow-Urology-Reveals-Lack-of-Postpartum-Incontinence-Care-Causes-Lasting-Health-Problems-for-Mothers.html

2. You're not alone: survey shows new mothers aren't well-prepared for postpartum incontinence. Aeroflow Urology. February 5, 2025. Accessed February 11, 2025. https://aeroflowurology.com/blog/6-ways-to-successfully-manage-postpartum-incontinence#postpartum-incontinence-survey