I went for a Papsmear and doctor examined me and loosened my bladder muscle causing leakage. Help what can I do?
Hi there - thanks so much for your post. I’m really sorry you’re dealing with that — it can feel scary and embarrassing, but you’re not alone and this can be addressed.
A Pap smear or pelvic exam shouldn’t normally “loosen” a bladder muscle, but sometimes the muscles of the pelvic floor can become irritated, tense, or temporarily uncoordinated after an exam, especially if the area was already sensitive or if the exam was uncomfortable. That can lead to temporary urinary leakage.
Here’s what you can do:
- Call the doctor who performed the exam
Let them know what symptoms started afterward. They can check for:
- Irritation or inflammation
- A urinary tract infection
- Pelvic floor muscle spasm
- Any reason for temporary incontinence
This helps rule out anything more serious.
- Monitor your symptoms
Sometimes leakage improves on its own once the pelvic floor relaxes and the irritation settles.
- Avoid bladder irritants temporarily
This can help reduce leakage while things calm down:
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Carbonated drinks
- Artificial sweeteners
- Acidic foods (citrus, tomato)
- Pelvic floor relaxation (not squeezing)
If the pelvic floor was irritated or went into spasm, doing gentle relaxation, not Kegels, can help:
- Deep belly breathing
- Child’s pose or happy baby pose
- Warm bath or heating pad on pelvic muscles
(Over-tightened muscles can also cause leaking!)
- If symptoms continue more than a week or worsen, or the doctor who performed the exam does not take your complaints seriously, find your nearest PRM Office, or ask for a referral to a urogynecologist or pelvic floor physical therapist. These providers all specialize in bladder and pelvic muscle issues and can evaluate whether the pelvic floor is too tense, weak, or reacting to the exam.