Menopause causes changes in the vaginal tissue and bladder muscles.
The vaginal skin changes with the menopause becoming dry and flaky. This then leads to sexual problems such vaginal dryness, lack of lubrication, discomfort and pain during sexual activity. There can also be tearing of vaginal skin and bleeding with intercourse. The vagina becomes a sensitive area thereafter leading to infections and itchiness.
The common bladder problems are urgency (feeling of going to the toilet often), painful or difficult urination and recurrent urinary tract infections. The menopausal lady experiences incontinence which may be stress related (leaking while laughing, sneezing or coughing) or due to urge incontinence or overactive bladder whereby she is not able to reach the toilet in time.
The pelvic muscles may get weakened with childbirth and other conditions such as diabetes, nerve damage and muscle sclerosis. Thus these symptoms of leaking may not be solely due to aging and weak pelvic muscles.
The first line of handling bladder problems is to do Kegel’s exercises regularly. If done correctly, frequently and continuously it can help improve pelvic floor tone and decrease the risk of incontinence.
