Understanding Menopause: Urinary Incontinence & Treatment

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. A more apt description for many is, "when your hormones decide to throw a farewell party and forget to clean up the mess." 

Some of my patients are lucky to have minimal symptoms with menopause, but many suffer from bothersome symptoms such as: hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, mood changes, sleep problems, weight gain, thinning hair and dry skin.

Menopause is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and menstrual history, and confirmed by blood tests. While menopause itself is a natural process and does not necessitate treatment, its symptoms can be managed through various methods:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• Non-Hormonal Medications
• Lifestyle Changes
• Vaginal Estrogen 

Urinary Incontinence: A “Secret” Symptom

A seemingly unrelated symptom of menopause which doesn't always get a lot of primetime is urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence can occur during and after menopause, and is often suffered through in silence. But it is common, and you are not alone. Recent studies show that over 60% of women in the United States experience this in their lifetime.

The decline in estrogen levels can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and the tissues supporting the bladder and urethra, leading to problems with bladder control. 

The two primary types of urinary incontinence related to menopause are:

Stress Incontinence: Leakage of urine during activities that put pressure on the bladder, such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising.

Urge Incontinence: A sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine.

Several factors can increase the risk of urinary incontinence during menopause, including:

• Hormonal Changes: The decline in estrogen weakens the pelvic floor muscles and urinary tract tissues.
  
  
• Aging: General muscle weakening and loss of elasticity in tissues with age.
  
  
• Pregnancy and Childbirth: Previous pregnancies and vaginal deliveries can weaken the pelvic floor muscles.
  
  
• Obesity: Excess weight increases pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles.
  
  
• Chronic Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and neurological disorders can affect bladder control.
  
  

Emsella Treatment for Menopause-Related Urinary Incontinence

One of the best ways to manage urinary incontinence (and the simplest) is Emsella. 

Emsella works by delivering thousands of supramaximal pelvic floor muscle contractions in a single session. Patients sit comfortably in a chair in their regular clothes while the chair focuses on targeted tissue in the pelvis. This action helps re-educate and strengthen the muscles, improving bladder control and reducing urinary incontinence. 

Some benefits of Emsella include: 

• Non-invasive
• No downtime
• Well tolerated
• Effective 

If menopause and urinary incontinence make you feel like your body is playing a prank, and you can't always laugh without leaking - think of Emsella. It offers an innovative and effective solution, improving quality of life without the need for invasive procedures. 

Always consult with a LifeScape provider to determine the best treatment options for your individual needs.

Join us for a candid conversation on menopause!

Join Dr. McMillen and Noelle Cesario on August 29th for a candid discussion on menopause signs, symptom management and urinary incontinence. Register today to reserve your post.