UBC News

Urinary Incontinence In Older Women: What Causes It & How To Treat It

Episode Summary

http://www.corerestorecenters.comBladder leaks aren't just a "normal" part of aging. In this episode, we break down the real causes of urinary incontinence in older women and explore science-backed treatments that actually work.

Episode Notes

Let's talk about something nobody really wants to talk about, but a lot of people deal with: bladder leakage. If you're an older woman and you've noticed a little leaking when you cough, sneeze, or just can't make it to the bathroom in time, you're definitely not alone. But here's the thing: it's common, but it's not "just aging." And most importantly, it's treatable.

Globally, over 400 million adults deal with urinary incontinence. In the U.S., that's about 13 million people, and women over 30 make up a big chunk of that number. Stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overactive bladder — it all sounds clinical, but the root causes are actually pretty understandable.

So, what causes bladder leaks in older women?

First off: hormones. After menopause, estrogen drops. That messes with the strength and moisture of the tissues around your bladder and urethra, making it harder for your body to "hold it in." Then there's muscle tone, especially the pelvic floor. Things like childbirth, chronic coughing, and even heavy lifting over the years can weaken those muscles and ligaments. Add aging bladder muscles, certain meds, or even constipation, and yeah... leaks can happen.

But here's the good news: you don't need to jump straight to surgery or medication. Experts recommend a step-by-step approach. Start with pelvic floor exercises (yes, Kegels actually work); bladder training; diet tweaks like cutting caffeine and alcohol; and lifestyle adjustments like losing a bit of weight or preventing constipation.

For many women, that's usually enough. But if first-line treatments don't bring relief, some clinics offer non-invasive therapies like HIFEM — High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic therapy — which stimulates deep pelvic floor contractions to rebuild strength over time. Clinics like Core Restore in Charleston specialize in these approaches, helping patients regain control without medication or surgery.

So, if you've been struggling silently, please know you're not alone. Bladder control is possible. And it starts with understanding what's really going on. If you'd like to explore your options and learn more about HIFEM treatments, just click on the link in the description. Core Restore City: Charleston Address: 675 Saint Andrews Boulevard Website: http://www.corerestorecenters.com Phone: +1 986 267 3737 Email: ann@corerestorecenters.com