Does your period affect bladder control?

Older adults tend to experience urinary incontinence, which happens due to loss of bladder control. After delivering a child or going through menopause, women may also complain about involuntary leakage of urine. This uncontrollable leakage may also be noticed during menstruation every month. Urinary incontinence during periods may be due to hormonal changes, particularly the drop in progesterone and estrogen. This can lead to fluid retention before period and its release during menstruation. Know how period and bladder control are connected.

Period and bladder control

“Menstruation, which prepares the female body for a potential pregnancy, typically begins during puberty and continues until menopause,” says gynaecologist and infertility expert Dr Gurpreet Batra. On average, menstrual cycle’s length is 28 days from the start of one cycle to the beginning of the next, as per research published in StatPearls in 2022.

It is quite common to urinate more frequently and lose bladder control during menstruation. During a 2008 study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, about 36 percent of participants experienced slight loss of bladder control while on their menstruation. This can be caused by –

1. Prostaglandins

These hormone-like compounds help the uterus contract to shed its lining. “They can also affect organs like the bladder, making you feel the urge to urinate more often,” says the expert.

2. Fluid retention

Hormonal changes, particularly an increase in progesterone, can cause fluid retention before your period. When menstruation starts, your body may release this retained fluid, leading to increased urination.

3. Increased thirst

“Some women experience increased thirst due to hormonal fluctuations,” says the expert. This leads to more fluid intake, and if you drink more water or beverages, you will feel like peeing more.

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Here are other ways menstruation can impact the bladder:

1. Bladder sensitivity

Your bladder may become more sensitive during menstruation, leading to discomfort, a feeling of fullness, or mild irritation. This is linked to the proximity of the bladder and the uterus, where contractions and pressure in the pelvic region can affect both organs.

2. Bladder or pelvic pain

Some women experience cramping or pain in their lower abdomen or pelvic area while they are down. “The cramping associated with period is caused by prostaglandins, and can make the bladder feel tender or painful,” says the expert.

3. Bladder irritation

Hormonal shifts during menstruation can affect vaginal pH (potential of hydrogen). This can lead to an increased risk of irritation or infections like urinary tract infection which may in turn irritate your bladder. When there are hormonal changes, they may temporarily weaken the immune system during menstruation, increasing susceptibility to bladder infections or urinary tract infections, which can cause bladder irritation, and urinary frequency.

4. Bladder irritability from endometriosis

In case of endometriosis, where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, it can affect the bladder if the tissue attaches to or near it. This can cause bladder pain or discomfort, especially during menstruation.

How to manage bladder issues during menstruation?

“Bladder problems related to menstruation typically last as long as your period, which is generally between 3 to 7 days,” says Dr Batra. The symptoms usually peak during the days of heaviest bleeding and cramping and then subside as hormone levels stabilise after menstruation. To manage the symptoms during menstruation, do the following –

1. Hydration

Even if you feel like peeing more often while you are down, don’t reduce water intake. Drinking a good amount of water can help flush the bladder and reduce irritation during menstruation. “This can prevent discomfort related to bladder sensitivity,” says the expert.

2. Pain relief

“Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pelvic cramps, bladder pain, and overall discomfort by reducing the production of prostaglandins,” says the expert. Applying a heating pad or warm compress to your lower abdomen can help soothe pelvic cramps and bladder sensitivity.

3. Pelvic floor exercises

Kegel exercise can help to prevent urinary incontinence, according to research published in StatPearls in 2023. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises can support the bladder and reduce symptoms of urgency, frequency, or discomfort during menstruation.

4. Hormonal treatment

“Hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, and patches can regulate periods and reduce hormonal fluctuations that contribute to bladder issues,” says the expert. They may also help reduce prostaglandin production, which can ease bladder-related pain.

5. Dietary adjustments

Like to sprinkle salt on every dish? Stop doing it, as limiting salt in your diet before and during your period can reduce fluid retention. This can prevent bloating and bladder pressure. “Also, try to consume less caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and acidic foods like citrus or spicy foods, as they can irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms,” says the expert.

You may feel like peeing more frequently during menstruation due to hormonal changes. You may also feel pain and discomfort, and if these bladder issues persist or get severe, check with your doctor.