Study finds telehealth equal to in-person care for postpartum incontinence
A new study reveals that virtual pelvic floor therapy is just as effective as in-person treatment for postpartum women with stress urinary incontinence.
Study finds telehealth equal to in-person care for postpartum incontinence | Image Credit: © nenetus - © nenetus - stock.adobe.com.
Telehealth may provide an equal amount of relief as physical therapy among women with urinary incontinence after giving birth, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Women’s and Pelvic Physical Therapy.1
This is the first study to compare telehealth with in-person pelvic physical therapy, highlighting new methods to provide treatment to millions of impacted women. This may benefit women unable to undergo physical therapy because of barriers such as limited childcare and needing to work away from home.
“This paper provides valuable preliminary evidence of telehealth’s effectiveness and overall satisfaction for treating stress urinary incontinence,” said Jennifer Kinder, PT, DPTSc, associate professor at UC San Francisco. “This is an important step in creating more accessible and affordable care for our postpartum mothers.”
The prevalence and impact of postpartum incontinence
Incontinence occurs in up to 30% of women experiencing their first vaginal delivery, often starting following delivery. An estimated 43 million women will experience some form of pelvic floor dysfunction throughout the next 2 decades, and a lack of treatment may lead to chronic conditions. Labor also risks aggravating preexisting cases.
In February 2025, a survey by Aeroflow Urology highlighted a lack of medical support among mothers with postpartum incontinence, impacting their quality of life.2 Bladder leakage during routine activities was reported in 76% of the 966 mothers completing the survey, with 71% feeling anxious, stressed, and self-conscious from the condition.
The survey also revealed symptoms past 6 months postpartum in 60% of women, and over 80% stated they could have received improved education about postpartum education. Ninety-five percent believed postpartum bladder issues should receive more attention.
“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,” said Aleece Fosnight, MSPAS, PA-C, CSC-S, CSE, NCMP, IF, HAES, and Medical Advisor to Aeroflow Urology.
Pilot study supports feasibility of online treatment program
Investigators conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial to determine the feasibility, accessibility, and potential efficacy of a 4-week online program to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) among postpartum women.3 Self-reported questionnaires for SUI symptoms were reported as primary outcomes at baseline, 5 weeks, and 1 year.
There were 30 participants at a median 1.5 years postpartum included in the analysis. These patients were randomly assigned to receive either in-person or telehealth treatment, with a median quality of care of 5/5. Preferring their assigned treatment method was reported among 91% of the in-person group vs 69% of the telehealth group.
Comparable outcomes between telehealth and in-person care
The range of receiving good care was 85% to 100% among telehealth patients based on self-report. Additionally, QUID SUI scores were improved in both groups at 5 weeks, at 7 vs 4 among in-person patients and 5.5 vs 3.5 among telehealth patients.
At year 1, these scores were 7 vs 5 and 5.5 vs 2, respectively. This indicated no significant differences between groups. Therefore, investigators concluded the 4-week telehealth program is feasible and acceptable for treating SUI in postpartum women.
References
- Telehealth might be a good option for women with incontinence. University of California San Francisco. April 21, 2025. Accessed May 5, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1081176.
- Ebert M. Survey highlights postpartum incontinence struggles and lack of medical support. Contemporary OB/GYN. February 11, 2025. Accessed May 5, 2025. https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/survey-highlights-postpartum-incontinence-struggles-and-lack-of-medical-support.
- Kinder J, Davenport T, Katzman W, et al. Feasibility and acceptability of a protocol-based telehealth treatment for stress urinary incontinence in postpartum women: a pilot randomized trial. Journal of Women's & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. 2025;49(2):72-82, doi:10.1097/JWH.0000000000000329
