Women’s health: Let’s talk about urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction
On this International Day of Action for Women’s Health, let’s celebrate the strength and resilience of the female body. From puberty to menopause, pregnancy and childbirth, women go through many physiological changes. These life transitions can increase the risk of developing problems such as urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction, subjects that are still under-discussed.
Here are some practical tips to help you better understand and manage these two realities.
5 tips for managing urinary incontinence
1- Stay sufficiently hydrated
Drink around 1.5 liters of water a day. Good hydration promotes mucus production in the urinary meatus, which helps maintain continence. Dehydration, on the other hand, can dry out perineal tissues.
2- Cut down on caffeine and theine
These substances irritate the bladder wall, increasing the frequency of urination. Limiting their intake can make a real difference.
3- Adopt proper toilet posture
Avoid pushing when you have a bowel movement. Blocked breathing or poor posture can put excessive pressure on the perineum.
4- Maintain a healthy weight
A body mass index of over 30 is a risk factor for incontinence. A balanced diet and regular physical activity can help you achieve or maintain an optimal weight.
5- Strengthen your pelvic floor
Effective muscle control is essential for continence. Consult a perineal and pelvic rehabilitation physiotherapist for adapted exercises and personalized support.
4 tips to improve sexual health
1- Encourage open communication with your partner
Conflict or lack of communication can be at the root of sexual dysfunction. Consider relationship therapy to strengthen your relationship and resolve tensions.
2- Identify medication side-effects
Some medications, such as antidepressants, can aggravate or cause sexual dysfunction. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to assess whether your current treatments are to blame.
3- Manage muscle and joint pain
Physical pain can limit comfortable positions for sexual intercourse. Talk to your health-care professional to find solutions adapted to your condition.
4- Treat perineal or penetration pain
These pains can reduce desire or make intercourse uncomfortable. Perineal rehabilitation is an effective way to relieve these symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Global health, a personalized approach
In honouring women’s health, let’s take the time to discuss these subjects that are too often ignored. From prevention to symptom management, our healthcare professionals are here to support you. Take care of yourself and your well-being, at every stage of life.
Visit the clinic nearest you:
- Physiotherapy – Chelsea Gatineau (secteur Hull)
- Physiotherapy – Vaudreuil-Dorion
- Physiotherapy – Mirabel
- Physiotherapy – Valleyfield
- Physiotherapy – Québec
- Physiotherapy – Boucherville
- Physiotherapy – Trois-Rivières
Sources :
- Brunet. La dysfonction sexuelle féminine ou les problèmes sexuels chez la femme 2018. Available from: https://www.brunet.ca/fr/sante/thematiques/sante-sexuelle/la-sante-sexuelle-chez-la-femme/la-dysfonction-sexuelle-feminine-ou-les-problemes-sexuels-chez-la-femme.html.
- Joanie Mercier, Clémence Bélanger. Problématique urinaire féminine. Université de Montréal2018.
