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Kate is an award-winning content specialist who is passionate about women's health. Kate writes to empower women to understand their hormones, gynaecology and overall health.
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This refers to a condition in which the walls of the vagina become thin, dry, and less elastic, often due to reduced estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, causing symptoms like vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and potential urinary issues.
Often linked to vaginal atrophy, incontinence is a condition characterised by involuntary urine leakage, which can present as stress incontinence (leaking when coughing, laughing, or exercising) or urge incontinence (an immediate, strong need to urinate).
Used as a primary treatment for vaginal atrophy, estrogen therapy involves applying estrogen directly to the vaginal area, aiding in the restoration of vaginal health by replenishing local estrogen levels, thereby helping to alleviate symptoms of both vaginal atrophy and associated incontinence.
A rarely discussed yet crucial change that many postmenopausal women experience is vaginal atrophy, which, unbeknownst to many, can directly contribute to urinary incontinence.
Vaginal atrophy, or atrophic vaginitis, is a condition that affects postmenopausal women, where the walls of the vagina become thinner, drier, and less flexible due to a decrease in the hormone estrogen. This decline in vaginal health often goes hand in hand with urinary incontinence, which is an involuntary leakage of urine.
One might wonder how the two are linked. This connection can be attributed to the shared embryological origins of the urinary and genital structures. The tissues of the lower urinary tract (including the urethra and bladder) and vagina are responsive to estrogen, which helps to maintain their strength and flexibility. When estrogen levels decrease during menopause, these tissues can weaken and become dry, making it more difficult to control the release of urine.
Typically, vaginal atrophy may present itself through vaginal dryness, burning, or discomfort during sexual intercourse. Urinary incontinence, on the other hand, often shows itself in the form of stress incontinence (leaking urine while coughing, laughing, or exercising) or urge incontinence (a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine).
Beyond these usual indicators, there are lesser known signs that could signal vaginal atrophy and its link to incontinence. These include recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), a feeling of urgency even after urinating, and discomfort during urination. Uncommon signs of vaginal atrophy could also include light bleeding after intercourse or a decrease in vaginal lubrication during sexual activity.
Estrogen is a pivotal player in maintaining the health of our genitourinary system. It maintains the strength and flexibility of the vaginal walls and the urethra. It also supports the balance of beneficial bacteria in the vagina, which can prevent UTIs. So, when estrogen levels drop during menopause, not only do the tissues in these areas become weaker and drier, but the risk of infection increases as well.
Navigating this complex territory of menopause, vaginal atrophy, and incontinence needn't be a solo journey. The NHS provides several treatment options such as:
This involves applying estrogen directly to the vaginal area to help replenish local estrogen levels. It comes in the form of creams, vaginal rings, or pessaries and is usually the first line of treatment for symptomatic vaginal atrophy.
This can help strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and prevent incontinence. The NHS offers access to physiotherapists specialised in this training and we have an excellent beginners guide here.
Lifestyle Changes
Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, and losing weight if you're overweight can reduce symptoms of incontinence.
Over-the-counter, non-prescription options include:
These can alleviate vaginal dryness and discomfort during sexual intercourse. They are safe to use regularly and can be found in most pharmacies.
Absorbent Pads and Pants
These can be used to manage urinary leakage and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Jude's leak-proof pants are a brilliant option as they are designed specifically to manage urine leaks. The triple-layered gusset traps urine whiffs, keeps you dry and holds up to 8tsp of urine.
Some women might find relief in alternative therapies like acupuncture and mindfulness-based stress reduction, which have been reported to improve symptoms of incontinence.
Supplementation
Pumpkin seed extract is proven to help improve the incontinence by supporting the health and condition of the bladder itself. Taking a supplement like Jude's Daily Support supplement can help to reduce leaks by up to 79%.
Maintaining an active lifestyle can also be beneficial. Regular exercise can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, while a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can maintain overall health and hormonal balance.
If you are concerned that you are experiencing incontinence and vaginal atrophy, discuss your symptoms with your GP.
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