Bladder Problems - When does it affect us?
When Does It Affect Us?
There are two main times in our lives that will have an effect on the structure and working of the pelvic floor muscles that support the neck of the bladder and keep us in control:
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After childbirth - Problems with both bladder and bowel control are often first noticed during pregnancy, and after the birth. The pelvic floor muscles feel very tender and swollen. Women often notice a real sensation of 'weakness' and lack of support after delivery.
Postnatally 'mother nature' can sometimes leave us with stretched, saggy, stomach muscles, poor posture, flexible joints, and a weak pelvic floor. This is a time in our lives when we need to be physically fit and emotionally stable to cope with the demands of a new baby and a very different role in life!
We sometimes remember exercises at first but never build up enough strength in the pelvic floor muscles so they don't work properly when put under strain. Weak, deep stomach muscles leave our spines less supported and more prone to strain It not surprising some new mothers notice backache when lifting prams, car safety seats etc.
In an attempt to lose weight and get fitter many women return to the gym but can focus on the wrong stomach muscles and put more strain on their backs. Bouncing around doing high impact aerobics burns off calories but puts huge amounts of pressure on weak pelvic floor muscles. A graded programme of exercise is important for all the muscles stabilising the pelvis. - At the Menopause - Many women approach menopause with poor pelvic floor muscles. Hormone levels change during menopause and this can result in a reduction of the quality of the tissues in the vagina, urethra and bladder area. Continence problems can become much more noticeable around this period in our lives.