View urinary incontinence among women in their 50s
Many women in their 50s may be reluctant to talk about urinary incontinence, but it is more common than people think. Even at this age, it is still considered young, and it shouldn’t be a cause for shame. But what does urinary incontinence mean? It is when you lose bladder control and pee leaks out unintentionally. This can be uncomfortable and change your daily life.
But even under these events, many women in their 50s keep on leading active and vibrant lives, engaging in mixed actions to stay healthy and fit. Be it by practicing yoga and Pilates or by taking up running or hiking; they have a steadfast commitment to their physical and mental well-being. Many women also join in social activities, such as dancing, playing tennis or golf, or going to group classes at the gym to stay connected with others and lead more stimulating lives. During many of these high-impact physical activities, urine can leak out due to added pressure on the bladder. Everyday occurrences such as sneezing, coughing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects can also cause leakage. Other likely scenarios involve sudden movements, such as getting up from a chair or changing position quickly, as well as strong physical activity for a long period.
Urinary incontinence happens due to normal and physiological reasons, such as the loss of strength of the pelvic floor muscles after bearing children, the hormonal changes tied to menopause, the body’s normal aging process, or other health problems, like obesity or diabetes. It can also be due to other causes, such as frequent smoking, high-impact activities over the course of many years, vaginal birth, pelvic surgery, infections, and even constipation.
A helpful way to prevent urinary incontinence is to do the right exercises, known as Kegels, to strengthen the pelvic floor tissues. These exercises can help bladder control by strengthening the muscles that support it. There are other simple measures you can also choose to reduce the risk of urinary incontinence. For example, you should keep a healthy weight and avoid drinking too much fluid before bedtime and foods and drinks that can irritate your bladder, such as alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods. However, urinary incontinence can happen even after taking all these precautions. If that is the case, products specifically designed for this purpose are available, such as absorbent pads and liners. These products can help keep your skin–and your clothes–dry.
Keep in mind that if you’re feeling urinary incontinence symptoms, such as involuntary leakage, you should talk to a doctor. They will be able to do a whole assessment to find out the cause of your incontinence and suggest a proper treatment plan. Urinary incontinence may be linked to other problems, such as UTIs, skin swelling, and emotional problems, like anxiety and depression. This is why treating this problem properly and seeking health care help if needed is vital. If you feel symptoms of urinary incontinence, don’t be afraid to seek medical help and guidance. Solutions are always ready to help you lead a full and active life!
