Menopause is a time when a woman’s body undergoes a number of changes. The most important of these is the transition from a fertile to an infertile state. This is accompanied by numerous ailments which can effectively make life miserable. One of them may be urinary incontinence. Find out more about this condition. Learn about the causes and see how you can help yourself.
Menopause – a time of numerous hormonal changes
Menopause means deflorescence. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. It is the time when menstruation stops, which is a clear signal that a woman can no longer have children. This is a process that can take several years. Before menstruation stops completely, many changes take place in the body. The first sign that a woman is entering menopause is irregular menstruation. Cycles may become longer or shorter as well as more or less heavy. Women at this time complain above all of characteristic hot flashes, hyperhidrosis, nervousness and general weakness of the body. Trembling of the body and a decrease in libido may occur. All this is caused by numerous hormonal changes.
Hormonal changes – menopause
All the symptoms and discomforts a woman has to face during the menopause are the result of numerous hormonal changes. One of the hormones that have a significant impact on this state of affairs is oestrogen. A decrease in the concentration of this hormone in the genital area and the lower urinary tract causes tissues to become dry and thinner. Their elasticity also changes. The pelvic floor muscles also weaken.
Menopause – incontinence
Menopause is one of the most common causes of urinary incontinence. This ailment intensifies and effectively reduces the quality of life. The reason for this is the low concentration of the aforementioned estrogen, which causes significant weakening and partial disappearance of tissues within the reproductive tract and urinary tract. Weakened pelvic floor muscles are the cause of involuntary urine leakage, which is quite an embarrassing and troublesome problem for many women.
Urinary incontinence during the menopause is usually called stress incontinence or urge incontinence.
Stress urinary incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence is when involuntary urine leakage occurs when pressure increases in the abdominal cavity. It can occur during physical exercise, as well as coughing, laughing or sneezing.
Urinary urgency – menopause
Urge incontinence is also very common during menopause. Women complain of a frequent need to urinate, which is difficult to control. This condition is caused by instability of the bladder displacer or its excessive substructure.
How to deal with incontinence during menopause?
One of the most common treatments for incontinence during menopause is hormone therapy. It consists of taking special products containing estrogen. Regular exercise of the pelvic floor muscles, the so-called Kegel muscles, is also very important. Strengthening them can not only significantly reduce symptoms but also eliminate them altogether. Sometimes doctors also recommend electrical stimulation to get the muscles working.
Postmenopausal incontinence – how to help yourself?
Uncontrolled urine leakage is a problem that affects not only the physical health, but especially the mental health of women. It is a very embarrassing ailment that patients do not want to share even with their doctor. Failure to start treatment can lead to a worsening of the condition and thus prevent a complete cure. For many women, the condition is so embarrassing that they begin to give up various activities and gradually withdraw from social life. However, there are many ways to improve the comfort of your life. One of them may be the use of Polish URITAM incontinence tampons. This product protects against involuntary urination, is discreet and comfortable. You can use it both during everyday activities and training or even a visit to the swimming pool. Tampons are best when a woman needs reassurance and comfort the most, even if it is just one day a week!