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
Esta historia es de la edición March 02, 2024 de WOMAN'S OWN.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición March 02, 2024 de WOMAN'S OWN.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
MY SON DIED HELPING OTHERS
Christine Parry is determined to continue her son's heroic work in Ukraine
I'M A MIDLIFE DADDY'S GIRL
Rachel Tompkins, 44, loves having a close relationship with her father
BECKHAMS' BUST-UPS
Posh and Becks are preparing to mark 25 years of marriage, but is all well in paradise?
DO VIRAL BEAUTY HACKS REALLY WORK?
Intrigued by hair and skincare advice trending on TikTok, Julie Cook, 46, decided to put it to the test
MEXICAN ONE-DISH DINNERS
Spice up midweek meals with these thrifty favourites
BANISH BINGO WINGS
Say 'hello' to sculpted arms this summer - just give these six easy moves a try
HOMELESS TO MILLIONAIRE
With her house repossessed and deep in depression, Caroline Strawson, 50, was determined to transform her life
THIS MORNING IN CRISIS!
Are new presenters Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard set to be replaced already?
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on cooked brealdfasts, divorce and cleaning
GOING SOLO
Claire Waite Brown, 52, hadn't travelled alone for over 30 years