Does menopause cause bladder problems?

Yes. 

You may be in your 40s or your 50s, and you're noticing the need to use the toilet more frequently, leaks during the day and even at night. 

Unfortunately, these are just another effect that comes with menopause.

Inconvenient? Yes.

Manageable? Yes.

The link between Menopause & your bladder

The answer is oestrogen. Menopause causes the hormone levels to drop, and as a consequence, the tissue around your bladder and urethra becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic.

'Holding it in' becomes a struggle, as your pelvic floor begins to weaken. While these issues may not have existed before, they now do.

Common bladder problems during menopause

Let's call them what they are:

• Stress Incontinence - Leaking when you sneeze, cough, laugh or lift heavy objects.
• Urgency Incontinence - A sudden need to urinate that you cannot control.
• Nocturia - The need to pee during the night.
• Frequent Urination - Needing to use the toilet more often, even when your bladder is not full. 

While these are noticeable changes in your life, they don't mean you're 'losing it'. These are just the physical symptoms of a hormonal shift, and you're not alone.

You're not the only one

Pelviva research uncovered that when researching 2,000 women aged over 40, two-thirds suffered from bladder leaks.

And yet, almost no one talks about it.

From this study, they also unveiled that a tenth of these women said bladder leaks have caused them to endure depression.

So why does something as common as hay fever, such a stigmatised topic?

Well, the study also reveals that a quarter said bladder leakage issues make them feel older than they are. Public misconception has made people associate these things with being old, even though there is a rise in younger women suffering from incontinence.

What you can do about it

While there isn't a cure, there are methods to better manage your bladder. 

Strengthening the Pelvic Floor

Probably one of the most frequent answers to this question. However, it can be the most effective way. Pelvic floor exercises help strengthen muscles, reducing leaks. We have a blog on the topic here.

Tweaking habits

Your bladder can often be influenced by the things you consume. The daily coffee, the Friday night glass of wine, a bag of sweets. Some of the simple pleasures in life, and while you don't have to give them up completely, it is best to manage them with caution, as they are all things that can irritate the bladder.

Products that work

We live in an innovative time for incontinence solutions, with a wide variety of products tailored to different needs, situations and people. Discreet, absorbent and breathable solutions exist, and can give you the shield to restore confidence. 

And if you want to try before you buy, free samples are also available.

You're not broken

Menopause is not the end. It's a new chapter, with unexpected situations and challenges in your way. However, with the right products and knowledge, you can face these challenges and take control.

Remember, you are not facing this alone. You do not have to suffer in silence. It's more common than you think.

Bladder and bowel incontinence may be caused by conditions which can be treated medically. Please consult your physician for medical advice and guidance. All sources used in this article are cited below.