Urinary Incontinence and Menopause
Menopause can usher in an entirely new universe. Hot flashes, gaining weight in unexpected areas, mood changes, and other symptoms A sensitive or hyperactive bladder is another significant alteration you may notice. As you approach menopause, you may find it more difficult to control your bladder owing to a loss of flexibility in the vaginal tissue and a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles induced by the reduction of eostrogen production.
Incontinence during menopause might also be aggravated by:
- Medication – Certain medications, notably diuretics (often known as “water pills”), can cause urine incontinence.
- Constipation – Trying to force a bowel movement might place undue strain on the muscles that regulate the bladder.
- Obesity – Excess weight puts additional strain on the bladder muscles.
- Surgery – Having a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, can have an impact on the pelvic floor muscles, which assist control bladder function.
- Nerve damage – People with diabetes, for example, may have nerve damage that causes the bladder to deliver the incorrect signal.
Depending on the type of incontinence you experience, you can help yourself restore bladder control by doing the following actions:
- Tighten your pelvic floor muscles. Kegel exercises include tightening and releasing your pelvic floor muscles for a few seconds at a time. You can obtain a notion of how to do these by halting your pee, but don’t do it on a regular basis. If you obstruct the flow of urine, you risk infecting yourself. Aim for three sets of ten Kegels every day.
- Be careful about what you consume. Coffee, tea, soda, and alcoholic beverages might cause your bladder to quickly expand and then leak.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight puts greater strain on your bladder.
- You should time your bathroom visits. If you take toilet breaks on a regular basis, such as every hour, it can help you regain control of your bladder muscles. When you see an improvement, gradually increase the amount of time you spend on the toilet.