Understanding the Link Between Menopause and Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence (involuntary urine leaking) affects about half of adult women. It can lead to embarrassment or avoiding some of your favorite activities due to the fear of having an accident. Menopause is linked to urinary incontinence; read on to learn why.
If you struggle with incontinence and need relief, turn to board-certified OB/GYN Daniel Esteves, MD, and the staff at his private practice in Lawrenceville and Loganville, Georgia.
Urinary incontinence symptoms
Urinary incontinence symptoms include:
- Urine leaks
- Sudden and intense urges to urinate
- Frequent urination
- Dribbling urine after using the bathroom
- Incomplete emptying of your bladder after urination
You might leak urine when exerting pressure on your bladder while laughing, sneezing, coughing, lifting something heavy, or exercising. This is called stress incontinence.
Urinary incontinence can be embarrassing and sometimes debilitating, as it might prevent you from participating in the activities you most enjoy.
Signs of menopause
Menopause is marked by the permanent absence of your menstrual period due to natural causes (aging). It appears on average at age 52 in women. You’ve officially reached menopause if you haven’t had a menstrual period in 12 consecutive months.
Other signs of menopause include hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, reduced sex drive, trouble sleeping, brain fog, and urinary incontinence in many cases.
Link between menopause and urinary incontinence
The reason menopause is linked to urinary incontinence is because of specific changes affecting your body leading up to and after menopause. For example, low estrogen and other hormone changes can alter the ability to control your bladder.
When your body produces less estrogen after menopause, deterioration of tissues in the lining of your bladder and urethra can increase the risk of incontinence. Your pelvic floor muscles, responsible for holding in urine, may also weaken after menopause.
Ways to reduce urinary incontinence
If you struggle with urinary incontinence, you don’t have to live with embarrassing urine leaks. Numerous treatments are available with Dr. Esteves. He might recommend one or more of the following solutions:
- Pelvic floor (kegel) exercises
- Bladder training
- Healthy weight management
- Double voiding (urinate twice in a row)
- Lifestyle changes (managing fluid intake, reducing caffeine and alcohol, etc.)
- Physical therapy
- Medications
- Localized hormone treatments, such as vaginal estrogen creams
- Nerve stimulation
- Botox® or other injections
- Medical devices
- Vaginal inserts
- Minimally invasive surgery to repair pelvic floor muscles
Dr. Esteves tailors a treatment plan that offers long-lasting relief. He also offers comprehensive women’s healthcare services, including gynecology and prenatal care.
Reduce urinary incontinence after menopause today with Dr. Daniel Esteves by contacting us by phone or requesting a visit online.
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