Postmenopausal urology management, pelvic floor muscle strengthening important...What should I do?
Dec 22, 2024
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Menopause is a natural physiological process in which hormone production in the ovary decreases as the menstrual cycle of women ends, and various physical and emotional changes such as heat, mood change, insomnia, vaginal dryness, and urination problems appear. In particular, symptoms such as postmenopausal urination problems, urinary incontinence, and urinary tract infections can have an important impact on postmenopausal quality of life.
Decreased estrogen levels due to menopause may result in pelvic floor muscle weakness and decreased bladder function. As a result, bladder contractility decreases, making the bladder sensitive, frequent urination, or decreased excretion function, making it difficult to discharge enough urine. Symptoms such as urgent urination and urinary incontinence can also occur.
In particular, when urination function decreases, urine remains in the bladder for a long time, creating an environment in which bacteria can multiply, increasing the risk of urinary tract infection, and menopause makes the vagina and urethral mucosa thinner and dry, making them more vulnerable to urinary tract infection.
Seo Young-eun, head of the urology department at Daedong Hospital, said, `Since menopause is a time that affects the body in various ways, including urinary systems, preventive management is essential to improve the quality of life and prepare for a healthy old age.' `If a urinary system problem occurs, symptoms can be alleviated through medication, urination training, and exercise therapy in the early stages and serious problems can be prevented, so if symptoms appear, consult a urinary specialist for proper treatment.'
For urological health, it is recommended to repeat Kegel exercises, which improve bladder function by strengthening pelvic floor muscles, 10 to 15 times a day.
Drink enough water so that bacteria can be discharged naturally without accumulating in the bladder, but avoid beverages that irritate the bladder, such as coffee or alcohol. In addition, it is important not to delay urination, discharge it when you feel urination so that urine does not remain in the bladder for a long time, and always wipe it with toilet paper from front to back after urination to ensure thorough hygiene.
Seo Young-eun advised, `It is better to manage proper weight through a balanced diet because you can steadily exercise suitable for you, such as walking, cycling, and swimming, to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and maintain overall health, and overweight can worsen urination problems by applying additional pressure to the bladder.'
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