Menopause and Beyond                                                                                                                           

Menopause is a time of change in a woman's life. One of the changes many women notice is increased difficulty with bladder and bowel control problems. Don't ignore these problems, take action!  

 
The common symptoms

Do you have any of these symptoms?                                                     

• Passing urine frequently
  
• Rushing to the toilet to pass urine
• Leaking urine on the way to the toilet
• Leaking urine with coughing, sneezing or exercise
• Getting up twice or more over night to pass urine
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Rushing to the toilet to open your bowel
• Unable to control wind
• Having to strain often to empty your bowel
  

If you answer 'Yes' to any of these symptoms you may have a bladder or bowel control problem.

Don't ignore your problem, they rarely go away and usually get worse.

Talk to your GP or call the National Continence Helpline 1800 33 00 66.

Treatments are available to improve your control 

Changes that may cause loss of control 

Weakness of pelvic floor muscles make it more difficult to control the urge to pass urine, wind or bowel actions. Coughing, sneezing and exercise may cause leakage too as these muscles give control over the bladder and bowel. 

The bladder is less elastic making it more difficult to stretch. This loss of stretch may cause the bladder muscle to be 'overactive' causing an increase in frequency and urgency to pass urine.

Weight gain commonly occurs with the onset of menopause. Excess weight gain puts strain on the pelvic floor muscles causing them to weaken. This makes them less able to support the bladder and bowel causing poor control. 

Vaginal dryness occurs because of the loss of oestrogen. The urethra (outlet tube to the bladder) develops similar changes, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections and overactive bladder. 

Other health problems may start to play a part in control problems. Diabetes has specifically been identified as putting women at risk of developing incontinence. 

Anal muscle weakness makes it more difficult to control wind and bowels. Childbirth and anal surgery are the main causes of damage to these muscles. But the weakness may not become a problem until around the time of menopause. 

Some simple habits to keep you in control - or to regain control 

Keep your pelvic floor toned - practise pelvic floor exercises for better bladder and bowel control.

• Squeeze Lift and hold as if you were trying not to pass wind.
• Hold the squeeze and lift for a count of eight
• Relax and let go you should feel a distinct 'letting go'
• repeat the squeeze and lift hold 8 times
• Do three sets of these exercises each day

It can be difficult to 'find' your pelvic floor muscles. If you are having difficulties with these exercises get help by calling the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66.

Eat well - to avoid constipation and keep your weight within a healty range.

Drink well - make water your first choice, cut down on bladder irritants such as coffee, tea, fizzy drinks and alcohol. Aim to drink 1.5-2 litres of fluid each day.

Exercise regularly - helps in toning the pelvic floor, weight control and preventing constipation. Keep moving, aim for 30 minutes  of exercise most days. Walking is a great way of achieving your 30 minutes.

Practise good toilet habits - go to the toilet when your bladder feels full or when you get the urge to open your bowels. Don't go to the toilet 'just in case'. Take time to completely empty your bladder and bowels