Menopause Management in South Bend

Understanding Incontinence During Perimenopause

Hello, Candescent community! Today, we're diving into a topic that doesn't get as much attention as it deserves: incontinence during perimenopause. While hot flashes and mood swings often steal the spotlight, urinary incontinence is a common and often overlooked symptom that can significantly impact a woman's quality of life during this transitional phase. Let's explore why it happens and what you can do about it.

Why Does Incontinence Occur During Perimenopause?

During perimenopause, your body undergoes significant hormonal changes, particularly a decline in estrogen levels. Estrogen is crucial for maintaining the strength and elasticity of pelvic floor muscles and the tissues surrounding the bladder and urethra. As estrogen levels drop, these muscles and tissues can weaken, leading to various types of urinary incontinence

Stress Incontinence: This occurs when physical activities such as sneezing, coughing, or exercising put pressure on the bladder, causing leaks.

Urge Incontinence: Characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate, followed by involuntary leakage.

Mixed Incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence.

Nocturia: Frequent urination during the night, disrupting sleep.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing incontinence during perimenopause:

Childbirth: Previous pregnancies and childbirth can weaken pelvic floor muscles.

Pelvic Surgeries: Procedures like hysterectomies can affect bladder control.

Neurological Conditions:Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease can impact bladder function.

Lifestyle Factors:Diet, weight, and certain medications can also play a role.

Managing Incontinence

The good news is that there are several strategies to help manage and reduce the impact of incontinence during perimenopause:

Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening these muscles through exercises like Kegels can improve bladder control. A physical therapist specializing in pelvic health can provide guidance. Kegels, though effective, can be annoying, and easily forgotten about. At Candescent Health and Wellness, we are proud to offer the Emsella Chair, a non-invasive intervention which does the equivalent of 11,200 kegels in a 28 minute treatment session and is FDA approved to reduce Stress and Urge incontinence.

Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding bladder irritants (like caffeine and alcohol), and quitting smoking can help manage symptoms.

Bladder Training: This involves scheduling bathroom visits and gradually increasing the time between them to train your bladder to hold urine longer.

Medical Treatments: Medications or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), like vaginal estradiol, can be prescribed to help manage symptoms and improve urinary incontinence.

Seeking Help

It's important to remember that you're not alone, and you don’t have to live with incontinence. Many women experience these symptoms during perimenopause, and there are effective treatments available. If you’re experiencing incontinence, give us a call, we’re able to provide a variety of options for managing your perimenopause related incontinence.

Candescent Health’s Approach to Incontinence

Incontinence during perimenopause can be challenging, but understanding why it happens and how to manage it can make a significant difference in your quality of life. By taking proactive steps and seeking appropriate care, you can navigate this phase with confidence and comfort. Remember, every woman's journey through perimenopause is unique, and finding the right support and solutions is key to maintaining your health and well-being.