Guest Author - Sharon Bejin

Long after giving birth, some middle-aged women still endure the changes their body went through in bringing their children into the world. This may be especially so after having more than one child. Some problems women have are with their bladder and rectal area. With the uterus and vagina located near the bladder and rectum, any damage to one area can lead to problems with another. This is because these areas share nerves and connective tissue.

Damage to one area can result in urinary frequency or incontinence. This may leave you having to wear feminine pads to avoid accidents and leakage. This can greatly affect one's self-esteem in a negative way. Also, the cost of pads is not cheap. Wearing pads on a daily basis, does not make one feel young. It also cramps one's lifestyle by always having to have pads on hand. It is a constant reminder of what your body has experienced and the realization that our bodies don't bounce back from the normal life changes of childrearing.

Another problem that women suffer from after having children is rectocele. This prolapse occurs when the wall between the vagina and the rectum weakens. When this happens, the rectum will bulge into the vaginal area. This also happens to women who have had a hysterectomy. Over time, rectocele may worsen causing women more discomfort and problems when having what should be a simple bowel movement. Fecal material becomes logged in this weakened pocket because the muscles are too weak to allow the waste to be eliminated.

Many women experience these problems. A visit to the doctor to discuss any concerns you have is a start to taking control of this problem. A change in diet may help some women; any excess intake of certain foods may be the culprit. Chips and pretzels do not help with this problem. Depending on what you eat, you can be left feeling like you are constipated when you are not. These foods do not help you if you have a prolapse vaginal wall. Drinking plenty of fluids and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables may also help.

Corrective surgery may be recommended by your gynecologist, depending on the severity of your problem.