Related Topics: Features, Menopause

7 Helpful Tips For A Sensitive Bladder

If you feel your bladder is out of control, then here is some practical help.

AnnA Rushton

You know those ads where they talk about what happens when you laugh or sneeze? Well at menopause it is sadly very common but there are some handy ways you can help yourself with what is becoming known as a’sensitive’ bladder, much nicer than being incontinent!

Two types that can occur

This is a very common condition that affects men and women, in fact in the UK it is 1 out of every 4 of us, and falls into two categories.

Stress incontinence, which can cause leakage when you cough, sneeze, exercise, laugh or strain to lift something heavy.
Urge incontinence, which is an unexpected, sudden urge to urinate that’s so strong you may not reach the toilet in time.

How you can help yourself

There are a number of ways you can start to take control of your bladder, and some of them may surprise you.

1. Do pelvic floor exercises These really do help and are very simple. All you need to do is clench and unclench your pelvic floor muscles, the same ones you contract when you try to stop weeing – but it is important you don’t do this by trying to stop the urine while on the toilet as this can actually make the muscles weaker.

Do pelvic floor exercises anywhere and everywhere else, though and start by squeezing your pelvic floor muscles for a slow count of five, then release for a few seconds. Repeat 10 times. Build this up to aim to hold the muscles for 10 seconds and release for 10 and do as many times a day as you can.

2. Toilet training This is not just for toddlers, we need to learn to go regularly but don’t overdo it. Around 4 or 5 times a day is about right and when you are on the loo take your time.

After you’ve finished urinating, relax a bit and then urinate again – this practice, called double voiding, helps really empty the bladder.

3. The drinks dilemma Your body needs fluids, so be sure to drink enough to stay well hydrated and, although you may be tempted to drink less to avoid those trips to the loo, it means your urine is more concentrated which can make matters worse.

So plenty of water, but avoid caffeine from coffee, tea or colas as caffeine is a diuretic and that makes you want to urinate even more.

4. Is your medication making it worse? Some prescription or over-the-counter medicines could be making your urinary incontinence worse so read the instruction leaflet.

If increased urination is a side effect then your GP may be able to find you an alternative or suggest ways to help.

5. Get your diet right It is all about balance, because you need fluid but at the right level. You will get fluid from fruit and vegetables as well as water but avoid too many sources such as caffeine and alcohol.

If you are constipated make sure you have enough fibre to encourage regular bowel movements as constipation can make incontinence worse as it puts pressure on the bladder.

6. Lose weight It’s a tricky subject at menopause as women do naturally tend to put on weight, but keep it at a healthy level. Weight loss can help whereas being overweight can contribute to urinary incontinence.

7. The right products Hormone balance is needed, as being overweight and losing sleep through too many trips to the loo will make the situation worse.

Bioidentical progesterone can help with both those conditions so supplementing will assist here, as well as with other hormonal symptoms.

There are plenty of products on the market to help with this condition from pads to knickers, disposable and now ones you can wash and wear. If using pads make sure they are designed for urinary leaks, not ordinary sanitary towels as they aren’t designed to hold urine so can irritate the vagina. There are various levels of absorbency too, so get the right level for your particular problem.

Helpful information:

If you do need to lose some weight, or improve your sleep, then these articles will be helpful, as will ensuring you have good hormone balance.

Don’t forget too that anxiety and stress will both make your condition worse so anything that helps that will have a beneficial knock on effect on your bladder.

Menopause and Weight Gain

WARNING: Stress can seriously damage your health.

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New comments are now closed on this article
Comments 3
Sorted by:  Date | Recommended
Jennifer Coville | 10:55 am, June 25th, 2019

I have IC. Many may have this and it has not been diagnosed. A Harley Street Specialist has told me to cut out gluten and all nightshade vegetables, that is potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines. She says many bladder problems are due to gluten intolerance and these veg.

AnnA Rushton | 10:29 am, September 8th, 2018

Pauline Unfortunately you are not alone as we are hearing from an increasing number of women who are experiencing menopause symptoms well post menopause. A recent study has shown that a much higher proportion of ‘older’ women (average age 59 in this study) than was expected still suffer from hot flashes and night sweats, well after menopause is assumed to be over.

Post-menopause if oestrogen dominance is still present from being overweight or exposed to other forms of oestrogen through the diet or environmentally then that can increase flushes. Also other factors can be at work, particularly stress or anxiety as these definitely affect your overall hormone balance.  

Have you checked your dosage and/or application routine as that is usually where the issue can lie – we have put an article to help, but for further assistance email support@wellsprings-health.com as they will be able to go into more detail than is possible here.

https://www.bio-hormone-health.com/2016/10/24/a-simple-weekly-routine-for-applying-hormone-creams/

Pauline herridge | 9:34 am, September 7th, 2018

Please help!! I need to be rid of hot flushes or at least lessen them. I take your 20/2 cream now as before I was taking only progesterone. I am 80 years old and have had chronic flushes since perimenopause at 51 years. Sincerely waiting for a way out. P.

 
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