Midlife incontinence is one of the less attractive side effects of menopause. The lowered levels of estrogen cause the pelvic muscles to weaken over time, and this leads to urine leaking. It is very common, affecting 10 million women aged over 40.
In the past women have suffered in silence and limited their social lives to avoid being embarrassed, but there are now many forms of treatment. Doctors have a array of drugs, therapies and the option of surgery to help. Online stores sell pads, cleansers, odor eliminators and bed covers to make accidents easy to handle.
There are several common forms of midlife incontinence:
Stress induced: the most common form where sneezing, coughing, laughing and lifting heavy items can all cause involuntary urine leaks.
Urge incontinence: the bladder muscles contract involuntarily causing urine to leak.
Nocturia: the need to get up and urinate frequently at night
What makes this happen?
- smoking and the resulting coughs
- obesity
- constipation
- pregnancy and childbirth
- urinary tract or vaginal infections
- estrogen loss
- taking diuretics
- weakened muscles
What should you do?
- get a pelvic exam to check for underlying problems
- stop smoking
- reduce caffeine intake
- lose weight
- practice Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles
- check out products to help with incontinence
