Menopause And Bladder Control
Menopause is typically a medical condition that is confined to women. It is an age related natural condition when estrogen which is the female reproductive hormone is no longer secreted by the female body. Traditionally, menopause has been associated with ageing women, normally in their forties but in recent times, even younger women in their late thirties or early thirties are also entering the perimenopause or menopause phases. Until now menopause was a problem only among females but doctors are observing the same problem among ageing men as well, with the only difference being in the reduction or halting of secretion of testosterone instead of estrogen.
Does Menopause Affect Bladder Control?
Both men and women can suffer from menopause and both can also struggle with bladder control. Ageing men and women usually do not have the same level of bladder control that they have in their younger days. As an urologist in Des Moines would put it, with age and several other physical deteriorations, the bladder tends to lose its elasticity and tends to get weak. It doesn’t manage to exert the same pressure, either to hold liquid or to pump out urine.
Bladder control is a problem among males and females and is mostly an age related problem but it has been found that menopause can trigger the worsening condition of the bladder. Estrogen secretion in women and testosterone or androgen secretion in men keep the bladder healthy. As estrogen and testosterone production deteriorates and eventually stops, the bladder tends to get bloated. As the outer membranes of the bladder expand, the muscles around it lose the ability to exert enough pressure inside the bladder, thus leading to several problems.
Should you be experiencing any trouble with bladder control during or after menopause, you must consult with an urologist in Des Moines.
There are many symptoms of worsening bladder control. There would be infrequent urination, trouble urinating, a sense of incomplete urination would be prominent and one would have trouble holding back urine. The symptoms may worsen during the night. While an urologist in Des Moines would diagnose the problem and offer medications, there are some things that you can do on your own back home.
What Else Causes Bladder Control Problems in Older Women?
All factors that may trigger bladder control should be checked, such as consuming too much liquid, tea, coffee, alcohol and anything that may make the situation worse. Also, menopause itself has to be addressed if it is one of the causes or the primary cause for worsening bladder control. There are hormone therapies for men as well as women which can delay the onset of menopause, can stave it off for a long time or can manage the symptoms of menopause and prevent it from affecting other bodily organs.
What Treatments Can Help You Regain Bladder Control?
Menopause is likely to impact bladder control and with age some other factors like medications, nerve damage or infections can worsen the situation. Speaking with an urologist in Des Moines and addressing menopause and bladder control should be opted for as soon as practically possible.
Bottom Line: No one needs to suffer the embarrassment of urinary incontinence.