Along with hot flashes and mood swings, a leaking bladder could be a symptom of menopause. Use bladder control exercises and other methods to manage the problem.
|
Bladder leaking is a symptom of incontinence…but what causes incontinence? A leaking bladder is often cited as a sign of menopause, but this may be a misconception. A study of 1897 women conducted by the University of Melbourne’s School of Physiotherapy found that incontinence is more often associated with mechanical factors, such as hysterectomy surgery, than with menopause.
Whatever the cause, for many women incontinence feels like an embarrassing problem. But there’s no reason to feel shame about bladder control issues. Many women begin to experience symptoms of incontinence right around the time they go through menopause, and it’s very common even for vibrant, active women to experience a leaking bladder and bladder control issues.
Bladder exercises
Bladder control exercises strengthen the muscles around the pelvis, which helps to prevent loss of control. If you’re familiar with the sensation of “holding it,” you know how to practice exercises that will help you gain control of a leaking bladder. Squeeze your urinary and vagina muscles, hold for a count of three and release. Repeat the process 10 times. Do three sets at least three times daily to strengthen your bladder. When you are doing exercises properly, your thighs, butt and abdominal muscles will not be engaged.
|
Lifestyle
Bladder control exercises help you deal with the symptoms of incontinence, but you can also manage the problem through certain lifestyle decisions. Avoid drinking excessive amounts of coffee, do not consume water just before going to bed and stay aware of nearby restrooms in case you need to make a quick dash for the ladies’.
Small changes will help women control leaking bladder issues, but you shouldn’t drastically change your lifestyle because of incontinence problems. There’s no reason, for instance, that you can’t enjoy the occasional cocktail or cup of caffeinated tea. Member Kasandra Carr even has a recipe for a Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri that’s made with “a variety of bladder-friendly ingredients.” Healthy Recipes offers a long list of bladder-friendly dishes.
Surgery
An off-again, on-again leaking bladder may not be severe enough to warrant surgery, but in certain circumstances corrective surgery can be a good choice to correct incontinence problems. Kasandra Carr says that for many women, “proper protective underwear…can be a beneficial way to gain some control over the issue immediately.” Member NancyG found that non-surgical remedies did not help her much, and when she needed a hysterectomy she consulted with a uro-gynecologist about having her incontinence addressed at the same time.
|
Every woman is different, and there are many different ways to address bladder leaking issues. Incontinence is sometimes a sign of menopause, but it is definitely it’s own separate issue. Many of the treatments that help women get through menopause do not address leaking bladder problems. Address incontinence as an individual problem, not a side effect of something else.
Discover what you really need to know about bladder weakness by downloading our FREE special report 5 Keys to Manage a Leaking Bladder or Overactive Bladder for Women Over 50.
Sonho, I hope that you are not the only one explaining all this to your kids. At first, I would tell them to go ask their father when they ask questions. Don't let him get off scott free without having to explain himself. None of this is your f
I'm a librarian, Haralee. I love to share books!
add your responses
0 Responses
You must be logged in to post a comment.