From the first period to menopause, a woman’s body is going through a hormonal change, each one affecting the bladder. Did you know that estrogen and progesterone influence your bladder health? 

Our host, Shilpa Menon sat down with Dr Meera Raghavan, Senior Consultant Uro-Gynaecology at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Lane, Chennai, to discuss the connection between our hormones and bladder function. Compared to men, women are more prone to urinary issues largely because of anatomy: a shorter urethra makes it easier for bacteria to travel into the bladder. To add to that, hormonal changes add another layer of vulnerability. 

To book an appointment with Dr Meera Raghavan, scan the QR code.

A surprisingly common bad habit is holding your pee for too long. Avoiding timely bathroom breaks gives bacteria an opportunity to thrive in the bladder, making infections more likely. Public toilets are often avoided by women due to fear of UTIs, but direct transmission from a toilet seat is highly unlikely.

It’s common knowledge that women tend to pee more when they are pregnant, as there is pressure put on the bladder. Even as women go through menopause, incontinence seems to be a common problem. 

Dr Meera also sets the record straight about UTI’s , the common culprits and the precautionary measures we can take. Hydration plays a key role in preventing UTIs. When we dismiss these warning signs from our bladder, ignoring them can lead to bigger problems. She also points out that products marketed as “feminine hygiene essentials” often do more harm than good, by disrupting the natural pH balance and leading to irritation

The discussion also highlighted menopause: the physical and emotional changes women face, how to distinguish normal symptoms from concerning ones, and practical advice on do’s and don’ts. During menopause, the drop in estrogen levels makes women more vulnerable to urinary tract infections and bladder control issues such as urgency, frequency, or leakage while coughing and sneezing. To prevent complications, women are advised to avoid lifting heavy weights, excessive weight gain, and straining during bowel movements. The average age of menopause in women is between 47 and 52 years, though lifestyle factors today may be causing this transition to occur earlier.

Common myths around UTIs and bladder health often mislead women — from believing only poor hygiene causes infections to thinking incontinence is an inevitable part of aging. In reality, factors like anatomy, hormones, and lifestyle play a bigger role, and most issues can be prevented or managed with the right care.

With proper hydration, hygiene, awareness, and medical guidance, women can prevent many urinary issues and improve their quality of life.

Watch the full video here.