What is Menopause?
Whether you’re experiencing menopause or about to start, it can be a difficult time for any woman. With hot flushes, mood swings, and irregular bleeding, menopause can also have an impact on your hormone levels that can result in incontinence.
By definition, Menopause occurs when your ovaries no longer produce enough Progesterone and Oestrogen to aid fertility and ovulation. And although that means no more menstrual cycles, the subsequent hormonal imbalance does introduce some physical and emotional symptoms.
So when does it all begin? If you’re a woman in her mid-40s, you’ll begin to experience Menopause symptoms as your ability to have a baby comes to the end.
Managing Menopause Incontinence
HOW ARE BLADDER CONTROL PROBLEMS DIAGNOSED?
In the first instance, your GP will first obtain a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. To further diagnose a bladder control problem, your urine is tested for signs of infection or other problems.
Your doctor may also recommend you keep a voiding diary to record your symptoms and the situations where you feel the urge to urinate or there is an incidence of leakage. The voiding diary may help narrow the cause of your problem, and help your GP to determine the best treatment options.
WHEN SHOULD I SEE MY DOCTOR?
Your GP should be at the top of the list for people to see about any incontinence problems. They should be able to determine the best way forward. They may also recommend you see a professional who can help you with bladder control. These specialists include:
- A gynaecologist
- A urogynecologist
- A urologist
- A continence physiotherapist
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