If you often cross your legs or take extra bathroom breaks on long trips, you’re probably a woman over 50 dealing with normal changes in how your body handles peeing. As we age, it’s common for bladder control to weaken.
According to doctors, one important habit they wish women 50 and older would start is doing pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegels. These exercises strengthen the muscles help control peeing and can reduce issues like leaks.
Dr. Tirsit Shiferaw Asfaw, a urogynecologist, explains that regularly doing these exercises can make a big difference for bladder control, especially for older women.
Studies show that these exercises can help improve incontinence (when you can’t hold in pee) by up to 70%, no matter your age.
Doing a Kegel is simple: take a deep breath, then squeeze the muscles you use to stop peeing when you exhale. This helps build strength in the muscles that support your bladder.
Dr. Asfaw encourages women not to wait until they have problems, but to start doing these exercises now for better bladder health as they age.
Apart from exercises, Dr. Lopa Pandya also suggests paying attention to any unusual symptoms, like leaking urine or needing to pee more often. She stresses that while these issues are common, they are not normal, and there are effective treatments available.
Dr. Aldene Zeno adds that hormone changes, especially around menopause, can make the bladder more sensitive, leading to more frequent trips to the bathroom or even accidents. She recommends talking to a doctor early to avoid more serious problems like frequent infections or leaks.
The good news is that bladder issues don’t have to be a normal part of aging. Pelvic floor exercises and talking to your doctor about any unusual symptoms can help maintain bladder health.
Credit: Parade for sharing this helpful advice from leading doctors.
https://parade.com/health/best-peeing-habit-over-50-according-to-urogynecologists