Heart health matter but...
Heart health matters, but what about vaginal health? As a personal trainer, I hear stories about pelvic floor problems and vaginal issues that most women avoid discussing openly. Yet, these conversations are as crucial as discussions about heart health because both incontinence and vaginal dryness can impact a woman's ability to engage in regular exercise—a cornerstone of heart health.
Urinary incontinence at menopause
Urinary incontinence at menopause is more common than often acknowledged. Experiencing urinary leakage during exercise (or any time, for that matter) isn't 'normal'. It becomes more prevalent postpartum and even more so as estrogen levels decline during menopause. Just because you're menopausal doesn't mean you should 'put up' with it; taking action is vital for overall health. Unfortunately, urinary incontinence (UI) can profoundly affect a woman's quality of life, including her ability to exercise regularly. Thus, it's imperative to discuss this issue as readily as we do heart health and weight loss during menopause.
Types of urinary incontinence
There are two main types of urinary incontinence (UI): stress incontinence and urge incontinence. According to menopause.org.au, women who haven't had a baby have a 1 in 10 chance of developing stress urinary incontinence (SUI), while for those who have, the chance rises to approximately 1 in 3. (source link)
The solution to urinary incontinence
If you recognise yourself in these words, know you're not alone. Reach out to your doctor and consider seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist or other appropriate practitioners. Education and awareness are key, so start having these conversations with friends to eliminate stigma and ensure all women get the help they need.
Unfortunately, fewer than 50% of women report vaginal dryness and irritation to their healthcare provider, and of those who do, only 4% actively use the many well-studied and proven treatments.
Vaginal dryness at menopause
Vaginal dryness during menopause, as described by the Australian Menopause Society, often leads to burning, itching, or a lack of lubrication during sexual activity. Additionally, due to abrasion and irritation from clothing, vaginal dryness can make daily activities, such as exercise, uncomfortable, prompting many women to abandon it altogether. Unfortunately, fewer than 50% of women report vaginal dryness and irritation to their healthcare provider, and of those who do, only 4% actively use the many well-studied and proven treatments. This means many women suffer silently—a situation that must change. (source link)
The taboo of vaginal health
When discussing vaginal health and vaginal estrogen with menopausal women, many express disinterest in sex, questioning the need for treatment. However, one wonders: could earlier discussions about vaginal health change this perspective and prevent the problems associated with sexual disinterest later on? There's a significant stigma attached to the loss of sexual desire post-menopause. Yet, addressing vaginal health sooner could potentially mitigate these issues and improve overall well-being. After all, the quality of our relationships matter too, including the one we have with our partner which can suffer greatly due to many changing factors as we age.
End the silence
Addressing urinary incontinence and vaginal dryness is crucial for women's well-being. As mentioned, these issues can affect exercise participation and sexual enjoyment, too fundamentally important aspects of overall wellness, which means these are topics we cannot afford to ignore. Seeking help and treatment can improve symptoms, restoring confidence and quality of life. By openly discussing these concerns and accessing appropriate care, women can prioritise their health and enjoy a fulfilling life during perimenopause and post-menopause.
Tell me about your experience. What has helped you or are you struggling and unsure who to turn to? If you'd like to have a chat please feel free to send me a message or give me a call. You are not alone and you are not broken.
Commentaires