How Menopause Affects Your Pelvic Floor – And What You Can Do About It

Written By Tracy Bamford

Menopause is a natural hormonal change in a woman’s life. 

Symptoms range from mild to severe and usually occur between the ages of 45 and 55, but can start earlier or later. 

From weight and mood changes to weakened bone strength and migraines, menopause can take a real toll on the body. 

However,  one of the most common effects of menopause is a weakened pelvic floor. 

Keep reading to learn more about how menopause can affect your pelvic floor and the available menopause incontinence treatments. 

What is the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that sit across the base of the pelvis. It supports pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and bowel. 

The key functions are organ support, bladder control, sexual sensation, and core stability. 

Pelvic strength can be damaged as a result of menopause, affecting those key functions. 

How menopause affects the pelvic floor

The change in hormone levels can weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Common impacts include: 

Decreased oestrogen levels

The hormone oestrogen keeps muscles and tissues strong. During menopause and postmenopause, oestrogen levels drop - causing the pelvic muscles to weaken. 

As a result, the tissue of the bladder can become thinner and less supportive, leading to urinary incontinence and increased urgency to urinate. 

Weakened pelvic muscles 

The loss of muscle mass affects the pelvic floor. Without regular strengthening exercises, the muscle will lose even more tone, making urination and bowel movements hard to control. 

Reduced bladder control 

Due to the combination of the weakened pelvic muscles and overall loss of muscle mass, bladder control becomes limited. 

This can lead to a dragging sensation in the lower abdomen, causing discomfort. 

Sexual discomfort

As the vaginal and urethral tissue thins and oestrogen levels lower, irritation and discomfort during intercourse is common. It may also reduce sexual sensation, making intimacy less enjoyable. 

This can hurt relationships, having a knock-on effect on quality of life overall. 

Symptoms of a weakened pelvic floor

When it comes to a weakened pelvic floor, there are many symptoms someone can experience. Not all are needed to show the weakness; in fact, you only need to experience one of the following to be eligible for support: 

  • Urinary problems - including incontinence, increased urgency and frequency, and difficulty emptying the bladder fully

  • Bowel issues - including constipation and incontinence 

  • Pelvic prolapse - when there is a heavy, dragging, or bulging sensation in the lower abdomen or vaginal area, causing pressure and discomfort

  • Pain and discomfort - pain in the pelvis, lower back, or during intercourse 

  • Sexual dysfunction - reduced sensation, pleasure, or ability to achieve an orgasm 

Menopause incontinence treatment 

If you’re currently experiencing the symptoms mentioned, you’re not alone - over 50% of postmenopausal women experience a weakened pelvic floor due to a change in hormonal changes. 

Luckily, there are treatments available for menopause bladder weakness, including Emsella. 

Available right here at Rose & Lily Spa Bar, the Emsella chair treatment uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to repair and tighten the pelvic floor. 

The client remains fully clothed, it’s non-invasive, pain-free, and offers improvements after just one session. 

To regain bladder control and increase sexual satisfaction after menopause, book menopause incontinence treatment today. 

Tracy Bamford