A recent study held in the UK with 2,000 women who are peri-menopausal or menopausal found that over half of women do not realise that bladder leaks are a menopause symptom.
Unfortunately, this topic still seems to be taboo in most countries, including Malta.
There are so many misconceptions and a lack of knowledge out there that we thought we should share some information that could alleviate unnecessary embarrassment and feelings of aloneness.
First, Some Facts:
o The average age for a woman to officially be in menopause is 51. This is defined as when she has gone without a period for 12 months.
o The transition into menopause typically starts for women in their late 40s or early 50s, but ages can vary considerably.
o Women can also enter menopause because of a medical or surgical intervention, such as removal of the ovaries, chemotherapy or radiation to the pelvis, or premature ovarian insufficiency.
o Menopause marks the end of your reproductive years, as this is when your ovaries stop releasing eggs.
o The years leading up to menopause are known as “perimenopause”. During this period your ovaries start producing fewer hormones (mainly oestrogen and progesterone) as they start winding down. You can spend from two to 10 years in perimenopause before your periods stop for good and menopause starts.
Almost two-thirds of women in this study said they didn’t feel prepared when it came to experiencing the signs and symptoms of menopause, and that they didn’t recognise their symptoms were menopausal.
It is a pity that women going through this natural life stage feel ashamed, and are therefore reluctant to share their symptoms. It is important to remove the stigma and normalise the side effects, so women feel they are not alone.
Going back specifically to the topic of bladder leakages, many women do not realise bladder leaks are a menopausal symptom. Bladder leakages can happen when you laugh, cough, or when you run, jump, or engage in exercise. One in two women experiences bladder leakages!
Many women would not discuss their bladder leakage issues with anyone as they feel it is embarrassing.
And here is the pity. As discussing this with a medical specialist could give very real relief from this and other common symptoms.
Do you know how to do a pelvic floor exercise?
Almost 60% of women do not!
Pelvic floor exercises strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which support your bladder. When these muscles are weak, you're more likely to have leaks.
Daily pelvic floor exercises during menopause is a habit every woman should form as this is key to prevent bladder leakage. It may take some practice to learn to control your pelvic floor muscles, but once you get the hang of it, you can easily incorporate it as a daily habit.
Squeeze your pelvic floor muscles for five seconds and then relax the muscles for five seconds. Make sure that you take the time to relax between squeezes so that your muscles can rest before squeezing again. Each squeeze and relax counts as one repetition.
You should include 3 positions for each set of exercises: 10 repetitions lying down, 10 sitting down, and 10 standing up. Ideally you should do one set at least twice a day.
Do consult with your doctor as they can really help with this and other menopause symptoms that can otherwise make your life pretty intolerable.
If you are interested in a comprehensive physical screening, do speak to us and we will help guide you to a healthier you.
Contact us today on +356 21221355, 9985 2404 or send an email on info@clinipath.com.mt.
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