Menstruation and Bladder Control: Essential Facts Every Woman Should Know

While many women experience a multitude of physical and emotional changes during their menstrual cycle, there’s one issue that’s often overlooked: the impact menstruation has on bladder control. Hormonal changes can cause urinary urgency, urinary sensitivity, and even urinary incontinence, known as menstrual-related urinary incontinence. Though it can be distressing, understanding the causes and symptoms can help you effectively manage these changes and get through this time more easily. We spoke to expert Dr. Aditya K. Sharma, Principal Head, Urology, Andrology, Kidney Transplant and Robotic Urological Oncology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, to find out how menstruation affects your bladder and what measures you can take to regain control. 

“Many women experience changes in bladder control during their menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes that affect the bladder and surrounding pelvic muscles. This condition is commonly known as menstrual-related urinary incontinence,” explains Dr Sharma.

• Urgency: A sudden, stronger than normal need to urinate. 
• Urinary incontinence: In some cases, women may experience urine leakage or loss of bladder control, especially when sneezing or coughing, or during physical activity. 
• Pelvic pressure: You may feel a sensation of fullness or pressure in the pelvic area and an increased urge to urinate. 
• Bladder sensitivity: A full bladder can cause increased sensitivity and discomfort, even when the bladder is not full. 

Control measures

• Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises): Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can help improve bladder control. Regular Kegel exercises can reduce urine leakage and improve overall bladder stability. A 2020 study found that pelvic floor exercises played a significant role in reducing the severity of menstrual-related urinary incontinence in nulliparous women aged 18-25. These exercises were particularly effective in controlling stress urinary incontinence compared to urge urinary incontinence. 
• Stay hydrated: It may seem counterintuitive, but drinking plenty of water can help prevent bladder irritation. Dehydration makes your urine more concentrated, which can cause irritation and worsen urgency. 
• Limit caffeine and diuretic intake: Caffeine and diuretic drinks (like coffee, tea, and soda) can irritate the bladder and make you urinate more often. Reducing your intake, especially during menstruation, may help reduce symptoms. 
• Bladder training: Structured bladder training exercises can help retrain your bladder to go longer periods between toilet visits, which may help reduce symptoms of urgency. 
• Adjust your diet: Certain foods and drinks, such as spicy foods, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners, can irritate the bladder. Avoiding these substances may help improve your symptoms. 
• Talk to your healthcare provider: If symptoms are severe or persistent, see your doctor or urologist. They can test for underlying conditions that could be leading to bladder problems, such as interstitial cystitis or pelvic floor dysfunction. 
• Medication: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications to relax the bladder muscles and reduce fluid retention to help relieve the urgency and frequency of the need to urinate during your period. 

[  Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by experts and is for informational purposes only. Therefore, we recommend that you consult a specialist if you have any health problems to avoid any complications.  ]