Menopause & The Unexpected Leak: My Incontinence Story (and What I Wish I Knew Sooner!)

 

I used to think 'peeing my pants' was something that only happened to toddlers and, well, maybe rock stars after a wild night out. But now that I'm in the throes of menopause, I'm realizing that bladder control can be a bit... elusive.

As we navigate the wonderful world of menopause, our bodies like to throw us some curveballs. One of those curveballs, for many of us, is incontinence. Yep, I'm talking about those unexpected leaks, dribbles, and "gotta-go-NOW" urges that can leave us feeling embarrassed and a little bit like we've in kindergarten.

When I first started experiencing incontinence, I was super concerned. I'd had a hysterectomy a few years back due to a large fibroid that was pressing on my bladder, and back then, leaking was a regular thing. So, naturally, I worried that something similar was happening again. Was it another tumor? Was something else wrong?

Thankfully, after a visit to my doctor (and a lot of Googling), I learned that incontinence is actually quite common during perimenopause and menopause. Phew! But I also realized how little I knew about it and how many women are probably going through the same thing, feeling just as confused and embarrassed as I was.

So, let's talk about it! Let's break the taboo and shed some light on this often-whispered-about symptom of menopause.

What Exactly is Incontinence?

Incontinence basically means you're having trouble controlling your bladder. There are a few different types:

• Stress incontinence: This is when you leak urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or do anything that puts pressure on your bladder.
• Urge incontinence: This is when you have a sudden, intense urge to pee and can't always make it to the bathroom in time.
• Mixed incontinence: This is when you have a combination of stress and urge incontinence.

Why Does Menopause Mess with Our Bladders?

Well, it all comes down to hormones. As we transition through menopause, our estrogen levels decline. Estrogen plays a role in keeping the muscles of the pelvic floor strong, and those muscles are essential for bladder control. So, less estrogen can mean weaker muscles and, you guessed it, more leaks.

My Incontinence Journey

For me, it started with those "gotta-go-NOW" moments. I'd be fine one minute, then suddenly feel like I was about to burst. Sometimes I'd make it to the bathroom in time, sometimes... not so much. It was frustrating, embarrassing, and made me feel like I was losing control of my own body.

I tried a few things to manage it, like cutting back on caffeine (which can irritate the bladder) and doing pelvic floor exercises (more on those later!). But honestly, the biggest help was simply knowing that I wasn't alone and that this was a normal part of menopause.

What I Wish I Knew Sooner

If I could go back in time, I'd tell myself a few things:

• It's common: Incontinence is incredibly common during menopause. You're not weird, you're not alone, and it's nothing to be ashamed of.
• Talk to your doctor: While incontinence is often related to menopause, it's important to rule out other potential causes. Your doctor can help you figure out what's going on and recommend the best treatment options.
• There are things you can do: Incontinence isn't something you just have to live with. There are many ways to manage symptoms and improve bladder control.

Tips for Managing Incontinence

Here are a few things that have helped me (and might help you too!):

• Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels): These exercises strengthen the muscles that support your bladder. (Imagine you're trying to stop the flow of pee mid-stream – those are the muscles you want to work!)
• Lifestyle changes: Cut back on caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder. Maintain a healthy weight, as extra weight can put pressure on your pelvic floor.
• Bladder training: This involves gradually increasing the time between bathroom breaks to help your bladder hold more urine.
• Products: Don't be afraid to use pads or liners for extra protection and peace of mind. There are many discreet options available.

Breaking the Taboo

I know talking about incontinence can be embarrassing, but it's so important to break the stigma. Our mothers and grandmothers may have suffered in silence, but we don't have to!

Let's be open and honest about our experiences. Let's share information and support each other. Let's create a world where menopause is no longer a taboo subject and women feel empowered to take control of their health and well-being.

We're in this together, ladies! Let's ditch the shame, embrace our changing bodies, and navigate menopause with confidence and a sense of humor. And if you're struggling with incontinence, please know that you're not alone. Reach out to your doctor, talk to your friends, and remember that there are solutions and support available.