Women’s health encompasses many layers, from mental and physical well-being to managing specific conditions that may affect daily life.
Issues like bladder health, sleep disturbances and cardiovascular wellness often impact women’s quality of life. Addressing these concerns through treatment options, understanding common causes and adopting healthy habits can make a profound difference.
Harvey Sikes, MD, a gynecologist at Carolina Women’s Health, shares how these factors intersect and how women can improve their overall health.
Bladder health issues for women
Bladder issues, including incontinence, can significantly affect a woman’s daily life and well-being.
“Urinary incontinence is a condition where there is involuntary leakage of urine, and it can occur due to a variety of reasons, including childbirth, aging, menopause, obesity and pelvic floor dysfunction,” Dr. Sikes explains.
These issues can result in embarrassment, emotional distress and limit a woman’s social and physical activities.
Fortunately, there are both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options to address incontinence. Non-invasive treatments may include pelvic floor exercises, like Kegels, bladder training and lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine or alcohol intake. Medications that help control bladder function are also available.
For more severe cases, surgical interventions, like sling procedures or bladder augmentation, might be considered. These surgeries aim to strengthen the pelvic floor or correct anatomical issues contributing to the incontinence.
“Consulting with a health care provider can help women choose the best course of action based on the severity and underlying causes of the condition,” Dr. Sikes adds.
Bladder issues while sleeping for women
Did you know bladder health issues and sleep disturbances are often interconnected in women?
Frequent nighttime urination, known as nocturia, can disrupt sleep cycles and lead to fragmented rest, affecting overall health. Additionally, incontinence can worsen at night, leading to anxiety about leakage and making it harder for women to relax and sleep soundly.
Moreover, certain sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, can contribute to or exacerbate bladder problems. For instance, the physical stress caused by sleep apnea can result in increased bladder pressure, while nocturnal voiding can disrupt sleep quality, creating a cycle of discomfort.
To address both bladder and sleep health simultaneously, it’s important for women to maintain healthy habits, such as limiting fluid intake before bedtime, using the bathroom right before sleeping and managing conditions, like sleep apnea, with medical support. Pelvic floor exercises and bladder training can help reduce nighttime incontinence, improving both sleep quality and bladder function.
Sleep disturbances issues for women
Causes of sleep issues in women vary, but they often include hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, pregnancy or menstruation. Sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome are also prevalent.
These disturbances can negatively affect mood, causing irritability, anxiety and depression. Additionally, sleep deprivation can disrupt metabolism, leading to weight gain, decreased immunity and an increased risk of chronic conditions, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
“Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, managing stress, reducing caffeine intake and engaging in relaxation techniques can help alleviate sleep-related issues.” Dr. Sikes shares. “In some cases, medical treatments may be needed for more severe conditions like sleep apnea.
Cardiovascular health issues for women
Cardiovascular health differs between men and women, both in terms of risk factors and how heart disease manifests. While heart disease is often seen as a “man’s disease,” it is the leading cause of death among women.
Women typically experience heart disease symptoms later in life, after menopause, and often present with different symptoms than men. They also might have more subtle symptoms, such as shortness of breath, nausea or fatigue, rather than the chest pain often associated with heart attacks in men. Several risk factors are specific to women, such as pregnancy complications and hormonal changes during menopause.
“To reduce the risk of heart disease, women can adopt healthy habits, such as eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding smoking and managing stress” Dr. Sikes says. “Keeping track of cholesterol levels, blood pressure and maintaining a healthy weight are also essential for long-term cardiovascular health.”
Why is cardiovascular exercise important for women?
Cardiovascular exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve both heart health and bladder function. Engaging in regular physical activity strengthens the heart, improves blood circulation and helps manage weight – all of which are important for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Regular exercise also helps improve bladder function by promoting pelvic floor strength.
Pelvic and Kegel exercises are particularly beneficial for women experiencing incontinence. These exercises target the muscles that control the bladder, helping women regain control and prevent leakage. Combining aerobic exercise with pelvic exercises can enhance overall fitness and bladder health.
Additionally, cardiovascular activity improves circulation, which helps in tissue repair and supports bladder health.
Do you live in the Greenville, SC area? If so, learn more about the women’s care services we provide at Bon Secours in this market.
