Is There a Link Between Menopause and Urinary Incontinence?

Many women anticipate changes as they approach menopause, the time when your menstrual cycle stops for good. Most are aware of common concerns like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings, but other menopause symptoms are less talked about. 

You might struggle to bring up more intimate concerns like sexual dysfunction or urinary incontinence, though both are common in menopause. Experienced gynecologist Gary Willen, MD, MBA, invites you to Tahoe Women’s Care in Carson City, Nevada, to explore advanced treatment options for urinary incontinence in menopause and beyond. 

In this article, we’ll explore the link between menopause and urinary incontinence before reviewing vaginal revitalization treatments. 

Recognizing urinary incontinence

Have you ever sneezed and a little urine dribbled out? Perhaps you’ve had to run to the restroom because the sudden urge to urinate is so strong. These are both examples of what urinary incontinence feels like. 

Urinary incontinence happens when you lose control over your bladder, which can lead to poorly timed or downright embarrassing accidents. 

Urinary incontinence affects 38-55% of women over 60 years old, and it’s no coincidence. In many cases, the loss of bladder control is linked to the ways menopause changes your body. 

How menopause changes your body 

One key occurrence in menopause is a decline of the hormone estrogen. With less estrogen, the muscles and tissues in your pelvic area, including around your urethra, get weaker. Because of this weakening, they’re not as supportive as they once were, allowing urinary leakage to occur.

Urinary leakage can happen when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise. These actions place pressure or stress on your bladder and the muscles around it. This type of incontinence is called stress incontinence.

Urge incontinence, on the other hand, causes a strong and sudden urge to urinate. Leakage follows if you can’t get to the bathroom in time. 

What you can do about urinary incontinence 

Tahoe Women’s Care offers several of the most advanced treatments for urinary incontinence in menopause. Beyond behavioral changes like bladder training and scheduled bathroom trips, you may be interested in: 

MonaLisa Touch®

Dr. Willen specializes in vaginal rejuvenation using MonaLisa Touch, a laser treatment that counteracts some of the vaginal tissue thinning and weakening that is common in menopause. 

Pessary

A pessary is an insertable, but removable, device that supports your bladder and urethra. It helps prevent leaks. Similarly, some injections can do the same. 

Surgical treatment

If nonsurgical options can’t restore your bladder control, Dr. Willen might recommend surgery. Surgery can repair pelvic prolapse or place a bladder sling to support your urinary system. 

For more information on urinary incontinence and other menopausal concerns, call our office or book your visit online.