Ah, menopause! That magical time when your body decides to become a real diva, throwing up a series of little surprises... like incontinence. Yes, because in addition to hot flashes and mood swings, it seems your bladder wants to join in the fun too! During menopause, the body says, "Fewer hormones? Why not!" and reduces its production of estrogen and progesterone. The result? Your pelvic floor muscles, which support the urinary system, start going on strike. And then incontinence sets in, affecting about 50% of women between the ages of 60 and 69. Fun, right?
Laughing fits and pee leaks !
Aging and declining estrogen weaken the muscles that control leakage. Think of your pelvic floor muscles as a bunch of tired superheroes who've retired and are letting off steam. They were there to help you control your urinary organs, but now they're taking an extended vacation. The result: the slightest effort—a sneeze, a laugh, or even a jump down the stairs—and your bladder feels like a public fountain.
And what about the urinary system ?
Well, your urinary system is a bit like an understaffed soccer team. The urethra, the bladder, the ureters—they're all muscles that, over time, may have decided to take it easy. The urethra, that little muscle that's supposed to contract to prevent leaks when the bladder is full, becomes less motivated. So sometimes it gets out of hand, especially when you laugh a little too loudly. The bladder, meanwhile, starts making unexpected contractions, like, "I'm going to pee NOW!", even if you're in the middle of an important meeting.
Other aggravating factors
Because, as you might expect, menopause isn't the only culprit. If you've had pregnancies, if your scales are tipping higher than desired, or if you've undergone certain surgical procedures (hello hysterectomy!), then your bladder is probably feeling more supportive than ever.
Solutions to Regain Pee Control
Fortunately, there are solutions to remind your body who's in charge !
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Kegel Exercises
It's like a Rocky Balboa-style workout for your pelvic floor muscles, but to prevent leaks rather than win a fight. So, tense, relax, repeat!
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Herbal Medicine
Why not call on Mother Nature? Certain plants can help calm your bladder's urges.
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Diet and Hydration
Okay, let's ditch coffee, alcohol, and citrus fruits, which put the bladder on high alert. But stay hydrated! Because a well-hydrated bladder is a bladder that's... less capricious (paradox, we know).
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Weight Loss
Less pressure on the bladder, fewer surprise leaks. Bonus: you gain more energy.
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Acupuncture
Who would have thought that little needles could help maintain control? And yet, some studies show it can work.
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Relaxation Exercises
Less stress, less incontinence. Breathe, meditate, and say goodbye to panic-induced leaks.
So, ladies, to all those who are on this wonderful adventure that is menopause: remember that this is a new stage of your life, full of liquid surprises. But keep your head up and your pelvic floor muscles tight!
Sources : Sources: Sphère Santé, Menopause and U – bladder health, Swiss Medical Review – urinary incontinence in women, Urologue-paris-messas