{
  "id": 710497,
  "title": "Postpartum pelvic floor symptoms linked to depression and low self-esteem",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/postpartum-pelvic-floor-symptoms-linked-to-depression-and-low-self",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-12T23:20:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-08-postpartum-pelvic-floor-symptoms-linked.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "After giving birth, many women experience pelvic floor dysfunction, particularly anorectal and urinary symptoms. These symptoms, such as pain, bleeding and itching, can significantly impact a woman's mental health, leading to increased depression and lower self-esteem. A study conducted by researchers at Wroclaw Medical University found that more severe pelvic floor symptoms were linked to more severe depressive symptoms and lower self-esteem in postpartum women. The most common anorectal symptom reported was pain, experienced by 45.83% of the women, followed by bleeding (42.5%) and itching (41.7%). While many women may feel embarrassed or ashamed about these issues, the study emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive, interdisciplinary care to address both physical and mental health concerns.",
  "summary": "Pain, bleeding, itching and other bowel-related problems after childbirth are not merely a matter of physical discomfort. A study conducted by researchers from Wroclaw Medical University shows that more severe pelvic floor symptoms, particularly colorectal-anal symptoms, are associated with more severe depressive symptoms and lower self-esteem. The findings are published in the Journal of…",
  "key_points": [
    "Postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction causes anorectal and urinary symptoms.",
    "Severe symptoms linked to increased depression and lower self-esteem.",
    "Pain, bleeding, and itching are most common anorectal symptoms."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}