Ladies, did you know that nearly half of women over 50 say they have experienced some type of bladder leakage — a problem that can range from a minor nuisance to a major issue — according to a new national poll. A leaky bladder can get in the way of your quality of life and affect your personal confidence when you’re doing things you enjoy.

When I was approached to do this collaboration with Aeroflow Urology and Prevail, I didn’t hesitate because there is such a need for open conversations about bladder control issues. When you have a sensitive bladder, things like dancing, exercising, laughing or even a cough or sneeze can lead to a bladder leak – this is oftentimes referred to as stress incontinence.

Dealing with a leaky bladder happens more often than not as we get older. However, many of us think it’s just a part of our aging process and deal with this privately. When I started to do research for bladder control problems in women over 50 I was shocked to learn that this happens to nearly half of us! This can be an uncomfortable topic to discuss but I think it’s necessary to share with you products that will help us live our best lives now and not be embarrassed by bladder leakage.

This post is sponsored by Prevail, however, all opinions are my own.

Our Bladders after 50

For many women, our pelvic floors and bladder begin to weaken after childbirth or as we move through menopause. The weakening of these muscles can lead to issues with holding your bladder when you experience ‘stressors’. These stressors can be things like laughing, coughing, sneezing, or even exercising.

I remember clearly when I was younger and saw my grandmother run into the house after laughing so hard because she had wet her pants. At the time, I didn’t realize that this was something that could have been related to something such as weakening bladder muscles.

Additional causes for bladder leakage as we age include:

• Overactive bladder muscles
• Weak pelvic floor or bladder muscles
• Childbirth
• Menopause and hormonal changes
• Sensitivities to certain foods and beverages
• Ongoing urinary tract infections or issues
• Damage to nerves that control the bladder from diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease
• Blockage from an enlarged prostate in men
• Diseases such as arthritis that may make it difficult to get to the bathroom in time
• Pelvic organ prolapse, which is when pelvic organs (such as the bladder, rectum, or uterus) shift out of their normal place into the vagina. When pelvic organs are out of place, the bladder and urethra are not able to work normally, which may cause urine to leak.

For me, changes in my bladder control began when I went through menopause. I noticed that when I had to go, I HAD TO GO NOW! And if I wasn’t close enough to a bathroom, a stressor could definitely cause me to experience bladder leakage.

How to Manage Loss of Bladder Control

While it may be common for women to experience a loss of bladder control as we age, it’s important to remember that it’s not normal. Make sure to speak with your healthcare provider so they can help you set up a treatment plan and regimen for dealing with your bladder leakage.

 

Your doctor may recommend that you visit a pelvic floor physical therapist who specializes in strengthening the pelvic floor. There are also at-home improvements you can incorporate into your daily routine to help improve your pelvic floor and bladder function.

• Kegel exercises – This involves tightening and releasing the pelvic floor
• Bladder training– This is scheduling times to use the You can also utilize a bladder diary to help you pinpoint stressors throughout your day.
• Quit smoking
• Limit your caffeine intake
• Stay hydrated but try to limit drinks in the evening
• Some beverages, foods, vitamins, and medications can be contributing factors to bladder leakage. Talk with your health care provider for recommendations that may help decrease your symptoms of an overactive bladder.

Another way you can help to manage the involuntary loss of urine is by using bladder control products. Prevail^® is a leading manufacturer in protective hygiene products for women and men experiencing a wide range of incontinence. Their bladder control pads are specifically designed to absorb liquids and odor and discreetly fit inside of your undergarments for protection all day long.

 

And the best part? These could be completely covered by your insurance plan. Aeroflow Urology has helped thousands of people across the US obtain their bladder control products at no cost through insurance. Their process is simple – you fill out their online qualification form – and they take care of the rest.

The Takeaway

 Don’t be afraid or ashamed to discuss issues you are experiencing with the loss of bladder control. And know that you are not alone in dealing with bladder leakage – there are millions of women dealing with the same issue. The last thing that women should be doing is avoiding activities they enjoy due to bladder leakage.

Thanks for stopping by today and thank you to Aeroflow Urology and Prevail for this informative collaboration.