Incontinence during menopause
Every woman goes through it – menopause. Even at birth, it is determined when the last period will occur. The years before that are called perimenopause. During this time, hormonal changes begin in the female body: estrogen levels drop, and the ovaries gradually stop working. No more follicles mature, there is no ovulation, and eventually periods stop completely – menopause! In this blog post, you will learn why incontinence can occur during this phase of life.
How do we actually hold back urine?
Our body is a marvel! To prevent us from constantly having to go to the toilet, muscles and ligaments in the pelvic floor ensure that the urethra remains closed. They pull the vagina close to the urethra and squeeze it shut. At the same time, the bladder is pulled downwards and backwards – like an elastic balloon. This causes the middle of the urethra to bend and close. The mucous membrane in the urethra also helps to keep everything sealed.
Why does urinary incontinence occur during menopause?
Our pelvic floor is a true all-rounder. It must be able to stretch and relax during childbirth – and then ideally return to its original shape. But sometimes the ligaments "stick" in their stretched state. Something similar happens during menopause: due to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the muscles and ligaments in the pelvic floor become flaccid and less elastic. This makes it harder to consciously tense the pelvic floor. The result: urinary incontinence or incontinence.
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The most important points at a glance:
- Menopause is a natural process in which estrogen levels drop.
- The pelvic floor keeps the urethra closed – like an elastic system.
- Due to pregnancies or the breakdown of collagen and elastin during menopause, the pelvic floor can lose its tension.
- This can lead to urinary incontinence.
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What can you do?
- Pelvic floor training: Whether yoga, Pilates, or special courses – strengthen your pelvic floor muscles!
- Local hormone therapy: Estrogen-containing creams or pessaries maintain the mucous membrane of the urinary tract.
- Bladder training: Through targeted practice, the bladder can learn to stretch and store more urine again.
- Aids: Incontinence pads or incontinence underwear provide security in everyday life. In many cases – for example, with a prolapse of the pelvic floor – a vaginal pessary can also help.
You are not alone!
Many women face incontinence during menopause. There are specific exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, and medical advice can also help. Talk openly about it with your doctor – there are solutions!
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