Overcoming Incontinence
Why it happens during menopause — and how to take control again.
If you’ve started leaking a little when you laugh, cough, sneeze, or exercise, you’re not alone — and you’re not doing anything wrong.
Urinary incontinence affects millions of people, especially during perimenopause and menopause. But it’s often not talked about.
We’re here to tell you:
Incontinence is common, but it’s not something you have to just live with.
At Corla Health, we believe you deserve real answers — and a plan that makes you feel supported, not dismissed.
What Is Incontinence?
Incontinence simply means involuntary urine leakage — it might be occasional, or more frequent. For many people, it shows up in one of these forms:
Stress incontinence – leakage with laughing, sneezing, coughing, or exercise
Urge incontinence – a sudden, strong urge to pee that’s hard to control
Mixed incontinence – a little of both stress and urge symptoms
Why Does Incontinence Happen During Menopause or Perimenopause?
The pelvic and urinary systems rely on strong muscles and healthy tissue to function well — and estrogen plays a major role in keeping both supported. As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, the tissues around the urethra and vagina can become thinner, drier, and less resilient. At the same time of life, pelvic floor muscles may weaken, and changes in bladder sensation and control can begin to surface.
Together, these shifts can make it harder to maintain the same bladder control you’ve always had.
And that’s not all — factors like childbirth, genetics, and lifestyle can all add to your risk, even if you’ve never experienced incontinence before.
What Can Help
Vaginal Estrogen
For patients experiencing vaginal or urethral tissue thinning, low-dose vaginal estrogen can help restore strength and support — especially when paired with physical therapy. It’s safe, effective, and often overlooked.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
One of the most effective treatments for both stress and urge incontinence — especially during and after menopause. A pelvic floor therapist helps you:
Learn how to engage the right muscles
Improve strength, endurance, and coordination
Reduce tension that can actually worsen leakage
No more guessing about Kegels — this is expert, targeted care.
Incontinence Medications
For urge incontinence or overactive bladder, medications may help calm the bladder and reduce urgency. We’ll talk through the pros and cons based on your symptoms and health history.
Lifestyle Tools
Sometimes, simple strategies can make a big difference:
Bladder retraining (timing bathroom trips and gradually increasing intervals)
Limiting bladder irritants (like caffeine or carbonated drinks)
Maintaining regular bowel habits to reduce pressure on the bladder
There are a lot of options! At Corla Health, we help you determine which are worth trying.
It’s More Than “Just” Leaks
Urinary incontinence can make people feel anxious, embarrassed, or even avoid social situations.
That’s not okay. And it’s not necessary.
You deserve to live your life without fear of leaking, rushing to the bathroom, or feeling like your body is betraying you.
Let’s Talk About What’s Going On — and What’s Possible
If incontinence is affecting your quality of life, it’s time to talk to someone who will listen — and who knows how to help.
At Corla Health, we offer respectful, expert care for menopause and perimenopause-related symptoms — including those that are often left out of the conversation. Together, we’ll figure out the best next steps for you.
Because dignity, comfort, and confidence shouldn’t be optional.