Women with overactive bladders

Bladder control problems occur frequently in women who have experienced childbirth, pregnancy or menopause. The trauma dealt to the body during childbirth often results in a weakening of the pelvic floor and sphincter muscles, both of which work to control the flow of urination from the bladder. Menopause can cause incontinence as a result of falling estrogen levels in the body, which can result in a weakening of the urethra and other small muscles. As if pregnancy, childbirth and menopause aren’t already stressful enough, the onset of an overactive bladder can leave women feeling frustrated and emotionally isolated.

Overactive bladders and pregnancy

Pregnancies cause numerous changes to occur throughout the body, and not all are for the better. Pregnant women often experience hormone imbalances, rapid weight gain, mood swings and increased stress – all of which can contribute to an overactive bladder. Many pregnant women may begin experiencing seepage throughout the day, while others may have full-blown urges to urinate at any time of the day or night. An overactive bladder can be a source of severe discomfort during pregnancy.

Fortunately, most cases of pregnancy-induced overactive bladders are only temporary. After the pregnancy ends, the frequency of uncontrollable urges to urinate usually subsides. Part of the reason is because the body recovers naturally from trauma; also, the body benefits as hormone levels return to pre-pregnancy levels. In some cases, women may need to do pelvic floor exercises to regain lost control over their bladder movements. Exercises can also be conducted to strengthen the sphincter muscles, which also help relegate the flow of urine from the bladder.

Menopause-induced overactive bladders

Estrogen is perhaps the most important hormone produced in the female body. In addition to enhancing reproductive health, proper estrogen levels also promote growth and the maintenance of healthy muscles. When women enter menopause, their ovaries stop producing estrogen. This is significant because most estrogen in the female body is produced by the ovaries. As estrogen levels drop off, the strength of the urethra and the lining of the bladder may begin to deteriorate. Several other pelvic floor muscles may also grow weaker. The result is a loss of bladder control that may occur during or after menopause.

There are several ways to treat incontinence bred from menopause. Estrogen replacement supplements can help prevent problems caused by natural drop-offs in hormone production. Specific exercises can help strengthen muscles that grew weaker during menopause, which often restores lost control of urinary function. Many women who experience menopause-induced incontinence participate in bladder control training programs – these programs help people train their bodies to urinate at certain times.

Overactive bladders in elderly women

Incontinence can happen to men and women of all ages, but elderly women are most at risk for developing overactive bladders. Many elderly women require assistance from caregivers or nurses to fully cope with their bladder control problems. Women who make healthy lifestyle choices throughout their lives are less likely to experience overactive bladder problems when they get older. Elderly women who do suffer from these problems can continue to receive help and treatment.