Perimenopause and Urinary Problems

Tips for Relief

Urinary problems that are chronic and not caused by infection can be complex and difficult to resolve. It is vital that you seek help from someone who understands the intricacies of managing this difficult condition. Depending on your situation, the suggestions below may or may not be appropriate.

Kegel Exercises

As described on page one, kegel exercises are simple, easy, and can make a big difference in finding relief from urinary burning and incontinence. Go to the Kegel Exercise page for complete instructions. But be careful as certain conditions are worsened by using kegels. Talk to your doctor about whether kegels are right for you.

Cranberry

The National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine states: "Traditionally UTIs (urinary tract infections) are treated with antibacterial drugs, but these are expensive, can have side effects, and may lead to resistance. Therefore, physicians suggest additional steps that patients can take on their own to avoid infection, including drinking cranberry juice.

"Cranberry may work by making the urine more acid, which keeps bacteria from sticking to the inside of the urinary tract. Although cranberry juice is the form of cranberries most widely used, other cranberry products include cranberry powder in hard or soft gelatin capsules.

"The appropriate cranberry product, dose, and duration of intervention for prevention or treatment of UTI are unknown. While cranberry juice cocktail is the most studied product, concentrates and encapsulated powders have also been used. Some sources suggest six capsules of dried cranberry powder are equivalent to 2 oz. cranberry juice cocktail."

Other tips

Drink lots of good-quality water on a regular basis. Water flushes out the kidneys and helps cleanse the urinary tract.

Don't wear tight underwear and preferably no underwear when sleeping. Allow your body to breathe. Underwear (or tight clothing) restricts airflow to your genital area, often leading to increased temperature and moisture that can cause irritation. Wearing no underwear overnight gives that area a chance to dry out.

Urinary Problems & Perimenopause

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