Urine leakage and menstruation? Two subjects many might avoid talking openly about, but which are a natural part of being a woman. Here we won’t shy away from discussing it – so let’s talk more about being incontinent while menstruating! 

Is it common to leak urine while you’re on your period?

Many women may notice that they leak urine during certain parts of their menstrual cycle and experience a so-called “hormonal incontinence”. Those women then become more incontinent during ovulation, just before their period, or during their period. Unfortunately, there is not enough information or research on this. One theory is that as the hormone oestrogen decreases at ovulation, and then lowers just before your period, it can lead to urine leakage. This is due to the ligaments in your pelvic floor becoming stiffer and weaker. The same happens when you enter menopause and your oestrogen levels drop, which is why urine leakage is a common symptom of menopause. Read more about menopause here.

How do you handle incontinence and menstruation?

Using vaginal aids for incontinence at the same time as you’re menstruating can be complicated. The Efemia Bladder Support can be used during your period, but it does not act as a menstrual protection. In theory, you could use a tampon at the same time as Efemia Bladder Support since they sit in different places in the vagina. However, it is best to test what is comfortable and works for you. Another option is to use pads or underwear that absorb both menstrual blood and urine.

If you have stress urinary incontinence and find that you leak more during ovulation, just before your period, or during your period, you could adapt your exercise to your menstrual cycle. For example, you can do more high intensity training at the beginning of your cycle and spend the end of the cycle for recovery or other low intensity training without jumps.

Myomas can make you feel like you have to pee

Very heavy periods can be a symptom that you may have a myoma, which is one or more non-cancerous tumours that grow inside or outside the uterus. Other common symptoms include severe pain during your period or a feeling of heaviness in your lower abdomen. Myoma can be caused by many different things, such as hormones or heredity. It is very common and almost half of all women get it. If the growths are large, they can put pressure on your bladder and make you feel the need to pee more often. Small myomas usually doesn’t need to be treated, but if they grow large and you experience problems (e.g. you need to pee more often), you should contact a doctor or gynaecologist. You may get medication to shrink the myoma or, in some cases, surgery may be required.