Women that have reached menopause can notice that their body changes and many functions are not available anymore. Postmenopausal women have even more concerns and conditions. That’s why it is essential to take additional care of your body when you reach postmenopause.
During menopause, the estrogen level decreases significantly. You should know that estrogen is responsible for reproductive function and other related things. Its decrease can lead to certain gynecological disorders that may require medical help. In this article, we have gathered four gynecological conditions that can affect postmenopausal women.
1. Pelvic floor prolapse
Pelvic floor prolapse is a condition that occurs when the muscles and tissues that hold the uterus, bladder, or rectum become too weak. As a result, pelvic organs drop and may cause pressure on the vagina. Many women with pelvic floor prolapse admit that the uterus may even protrude into the vagina.
It is important to know that pelvic floor prolapse affects almost 3 percent of U.S. women. Even though it is more common for menopausal and postmenopausal women, some younger women can also get this issue. Women who have more than one vaginal delivery are more prone to pelvic floor prolapse.
Even though there are a lot of non-surgical treatment options that can help strengthen pelvic floor muscles, surgical treatment for pelvic floor prolapse is the most effective. Pelvic floor reconstruction improves the integrity of the pelvic floor and your well-being in general.
2. Vaginal dryness
A lack of lubrication is a common condition that affects many women with decreased estrogen production. Due to the fact that postmenopausal women experience decreased estrogen levels, vaginal dryness is extremely common for them.
Women with vaginal dryness usually experience pain and light vaginal bleeding during sex. Bleeding can occur when frictions during sex lead to rubbing and this causes micro-tears in the vaginal tissues.
If you experience vaginal dryness, it is essential to visit a gynecologist for help. A doctor may recommend estrogen therapy to improve your natural lubrication. You can also use OTC lubricants to make sex more pleasant.
3. Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is extremely common in postmenopausal women. UTI occurs when the bacteria (from the anus) penetrate the urinary tract and infect the urethra and bladder. Men are also prone to UTI but it is less common in them since their urethra is located farther from the anus.
The most common symptoms of UTI include:
Urgency to urinate
Burning sensations during urination
Cloudy and smelly urine
Pelvic pain
Antibiotics are deemed the most effective treatment option for urinary tract infection. Additionally, there are certain home remedies that can help manage UTI symptoms. For example, cranberry juice contains a tannin that can prevent the spread of bacteria that cause UTI. You should also drink a lot of water to remove the bacteria from your urinary tract.
4. Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence occurs when a person can’t control the bladder completely and the urine can leak. Postmenopausal women often develop this condition. Urinary incontinence can be caused by several factors like:
Stress
Pregnancy
Childbirth
Cystitis
UTI
Alcohol
Aging
Treatment options for urinary incontinence depend on the cause of this condition. If you experience urinary incontinence, you can try Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor that helps control urination. However, it is better to visit a doctor for precise treatment.
The bottom line
It is important to understand that postmenopausal women are more vulnerable to various diseases. That’s why you shouldn’t neglect even the slightest symptoms and discomfort. Regular gynecological exams can prevent the development and aggravation of many gynecological disorders.
