Menopause marks the end of a menstrual cycle. It is diagnosed when a person goes without menstruation for more than 12 months. In most cases, menopause occurs in people aged between 45 and 55 and leads to various bodily changes. Some of the most common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and more.
In addition, postmenopausal women or those aged above 50 are more likely to experience urinary incontinence or loss of bladder control, according to Dr Rushali Jadhav, Consultant - OBGY, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, she explains the possible causes behind it and shares ways one can cope with it.
Also Read: Premature Menopause: Understanding Health Risks And Symptoms To Watch Out For
Understanding Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a condition characterised by the involuntary leakage of urine. This means a person passes urine even when he or she does not want to.
In general, urinary incontinence can occur in anyone. However, the condition is prevalent in elderly adults, impacting both health and quality of life, according to StatPearls Publishing. The research suggests that an estimated 42.3 crore people worldwide, aged 20 and above, experience some form of urinary incontinence.
Symptoms usually include:
- Leaking urine when sneezing, coughing, or laughing
- Frequent urination
- Waking up in the middle of the night to pee
- Urinating during sleep
- Feeling sudden and uncontrollable urges to urinate
Possible Causes Of Weak Bladder Control In Postmenopausal Women
According to a research article published in the journal Maturitas, the prevalence of urinary incontinence increases after menopause and affects between 38 and 55% of women aged over 60 years.
Dr Jadhav says, “Age-related weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and tissues supporting the bladder, as well as the lifetime effects caused by childbirth and other physical stressors, are factors that contribute to this.”
She adds, “Menopause-related hormonal changes also have a big impact, which makes older women more susceptible to stress-related urine leaks as well as urge incontinence.”
As per the doctor, because of a decrease in oestrogen levels that causes the tissues of the bladder and urethra to weaken, postmenopausal women are more likely to have impaired bladder control. Therefore, urine flow management becomes more difficult due to this hormonal shift, which also weakens and stretches the pelvic floor muscles.
She further adds that incontinence can be made worse by a decline in physical activity and other health problems that are typical of ageing.
Also Read: Signs You Have A Weak Bladder: Doctor Shares Ways To Treat It
Treatment Options
Urinary incontinence can be treated through a variety of methods, says Dr Jadhav.
“Non-surgical treatments include pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels) to strengthen the muscles that control urination, bladder training to improve bladder capacity and control, and medications like anticholinergics to reduce bladder spasms,” she shares.
Adding further, she notes that in certain situations, hormone replacement treatment can prove beneficial by fortifying the tissues of the urinary tract.
However, for more severe patients, sling operations, colposuspension, bulking agents, and artificial urinary sphincter implants are surgical options.
Remember, changes in lifestyle, such as controlling their weight, drinking less alcohol and caffeine, and reducing fluid intake, can also help manage symptoms. Most importantly, depending on the severity of the ailment and the demands of the patient, speaking with the doctor can assist and identify the best course of action.