There’s often an in-joke among midlife women about letting ‘a bit of wee out’ when we do anything too adventurous, such as bouncing on a trampoline or laughing too hard. Even a cough or a sneeze could be considered high risk at times! As we get older, bladder complaints such as incontinence, nocturia and the urge to go can become more common. In fact, one in three women experience bladder issues, but 57% would never seek treatment for the problem.* Feel like life is too short to put up with it any longer? Here’s what could help.
Is your lifestyle to blame?
Incontinence is the most typical bladder problem for women. ‘While it’s common in those who’ve had children – due to damage caused to pelvic floor muscles and ligaments during pregnancy and childbirth – there are lots of other factors that can cause it,’ says Dr Deborah Lee from doctorfox.co.uk. ‘Obesity can put pressure on pelvic floor muscles, while smoking can cause chronic coughing and bladder irritation. Plus, loss of oestrogen during the menopause can add to the weakening of the muscles that hold urine inside the bladder, causing leakage.’ Speak to your GP about whether HRT could be suitable for you.
Workout time
Denne historien er fra March 02, 2024-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 02, 2024-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on the gender gap, cats and timed hugs
Check out CHICAGO
With a spectacular skyline, sandy beaches and great food, the Windy City is calling, says Zoe West
LET'S EMBRACE OUR CHRISTMAS TAT!
Becky Dickinson explains why she'll still be rocking around her tinsel-strewn tree this year
BURIED SECRETS
We look at the shocking cases of celebrities posthumously accused of being sexual predators-and how they got away with it
FESTIVE NO-BAKES
Pop on the Christmas tunes and whip up a batch of these easy sweet treats
PROTECT YOUR SMILE
Are you doing enough to look after your teeth and gums?
'TIS THE SEASON TO SHINE!
At last, Hayley McCrossan, 39, feels fit and healthy
FOR THE LOVE OF TOM
When Deborah Mitchell, 57, lost her son, she vowed to help other families facing the same heartbreak
THE NURSE WHO LEFT MY GRANDAD FOR DEAD belict
Rachael Fealey, 31, had one question for the woman who killed her beloved Grampa - how could you?
Coleen's MONEY WORRIES
What are the reasons behind her financial and marriage fears?