Urinary Incontinence During Menopause

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New bladder leakage, urgency, dryness, or recurrent urinary discomfort during perimenopause and menopause deserves a complete evaluation.

Declining estrogen can affect the tissues of the vagina, urethra, and bladder. At the same time, changes in pelvic support, prior childbirth, overactive bladder, prolapse, infection, and other health conditions may contribute to urinary symptoms.

Common Menopause-Related Symptoms

Urinary urgency and frequent urination
Waking at night to urinate
Leakage with urgency or before reaching the bathroom
Leakage with coughing, sneezing, or exercise
Vaginal dryness, burning, or discomfort
Recurrent urinary symptoms or urinary tract infections
Pelvic pressure or a vaginal bulge

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Dr. Bubucea reviews urinary, vaginal, sexual, menstrual, and menopause symptoms along with medications and medical history. Evaluation may include a pelvic and pelvic-floor examination, urinalysis or culture, post-void residual measurement, ultrasound, or bladder testing when appropriate.

Personalized Treatment

Depending on the diagnosis, care may include bladder training, pelvic floor rehabilitation, lifestyle changes, medication for overactive bladder, treatment of genitourinary changes of menopause when appropriate, a pessary, or procedural care. Hormonal treatment is not suitable for every patient and requires individualized risk assessment.

Is Leakage Just a Normal Part of Aging?

No. Urinary incontinence becomes more common with age, but it is not something you are required to accept. Identifying whether symptoms come from stress incontinence, overactive bladder, menopause-related tissue changes, prolapse, infection, or incomplete emptying leads to more precise care.