How to Deal with Menopausal Urinary Incontinence

The Link between Menopause and Involuntary Leakage

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Women in their later years have an increased risk of Urinary Incontinence. Although bladder leakage is not an inevitable part of aging, it is very common in women. This is especially evident during and after menopause.

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When women experience menopause, their levels of estrogen begin to reduce. The lowered levels of estrogen can cause the lining of the urethra to thin. The urethra is a small tube that allows urine to pass outside of the body. The pelvic floor muscles that surround the urethra and the bladder may also weaken with age. This is called “pelvic relaxation”. Ultimately, these two factors may increase the risk for Urinary Incontinence during menopause. And if you have given vaginal childbirth, your risk for Urinary Incontinence will increase even more.

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The most common types of Urinary Incontinence found in women are Stress Urinary Incontinence and Urge Urinary Incontinence (Overactive Bladder). These types of Urinary Incontinence generally happen pre-menopause, increasing the likelihood of it continuing during and post-menopause. These types of Urinary Incontinence involve the involuntary leakage of urine and or the sudden urge to urinate. This urge to urinate is caused by a spasm in the bladder, and you may feel the need to pee even if your bladder is not full. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for women, especially in public or intimate situations. But there’s nothing to be embarrassed about! Urinary Incontinence is so common and totally natural for your body to experience.

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While it is very common, intercourse with Urinary Incontinence can still prove to be especially upsetting. Up to a quarter of women experience an episode of Urinary Incontinence while having sex. Because of the abdominal exertion, pressure is put on the bladder and can leakage may occur. Some women are too embarrassed to have sex, and avoid intercourse because they worry about bladder leakage. Other women may continue to have sex, but are unable to relax and enjoy the experience. But Urinary Incontinence does not have to control your life, out in public or in the privacy of your bedroom.

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While the lowered estrogen levels caused by menopause may weaken your pelvic floor muscles, there are exercises you can perform to strengthen them. These exercises are called kegels. Some women have claimed their Urinary Incontinence is completely diminished after consistently performing kegels over a period of time. Your Urinary Incontinence may not disappear completely, but you will have an easier time controlling your bladder leakage.

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There are also a number of medications, surgical treatments, and other forms of treatment (like Botox injections) to help alleviate your condition. Simple changes in diet and can also decrease the symptoms of Urinary Incontinence. You can live a happy active lifestyle if you talk to your doctor about these options.

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While not treatments and exercise may not completely get rid of your Urinary Incontinence, it will definitely help. With a light amount of bladder leakage you can go out in public and have sex with little worry. During the day while you are active and out on the town, you can wear specific types of thin disposable adult liners. Adult liners and pads absorb the minimal (or heavy) leakage you may be experiencing, so you can remain clean and healthy and avoid soiling your clothes. Slim adult diapers exist and some are even snug enough to support your bladder and help with controlling leakage. These disposable diapers, liners and guards can fit underneath your clothing for discrete absorption.

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If you invest in these disposable adult diapers, a trip to your doctors office, a new diet and exercise you can take back control of your life. Menopausal Incontinence does not have to diminish your happiness. It’s an incredibly common condition and very treatable.

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