Hormones play a vital role in regulating many aspects of our bodies, from our hearts and minds to our bladders. While the influence of hormones on bladder health isn’t often the first topic discussed, emerging research reveals an intriguing connection: oral contraceptives (The Pill) may reduce the risk of urinary tract dysfunction in women of reproductive age.
The Hormonal Link to Bladder Health
It’s not just the hormones your body produces naturally that impact bladder function—hormones from food, medications, and supplements can also play a role. Bladder dysfunction, which can include everything from urinary incontinence to overactive bladder, can affect women of any age, weight, sexual activity status, or genetic background. Now, researchers from Sweden have identified a potential benefit of oral contraceptives beyond birth control: improved bladder and urethral function.
The Study: Hormones and Bladder Function
A team of researchers from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm studied 8,689 twins, leveraging the unique genetic similarity of twins to control for inherited factors. The study, published in Fertility and Sterility, examined the relationship between oral contraceptive use and various types of urinary tract dysfunction, including:
- Stress urinary incontinence: Leakage during coughing, sneezing, or physical activity.
- Urgency urinary incontinence: A sudden, strong urge to urinate, sometimes with leakage.
- Mixed incontinence: A combination of stress and urgency symptoms.
- Overactive bladder: Frequent urination, including waking up multiple times at night (nocturia).
The results were significant:
- Women currently using oral contraceptives had a 43% lower risk of stress urinary incontinence.
- The risk of mixed urinary incontinence was 48% lower.
- The risk of urgency urinary incontinence was reduced by a remarkable 64%.
These findings suggest that oral contraceptives may positively influence the bladder and urethra, potentially by stabilizing hormone levels or reducing inflammation.
What About UTIs?
While urinary tract infections (UTIs) weren’t the primary focus of this study, the findings add to growing evidence that oral contraceptives may offer protective benefits against lower urinary tract dysfunction, including UTIs. Hormonal stabilization could help maintain a healthy bladder environment, making women less prone to infections.
The Role of Genetics in Bladder Health
Interestingly, the twin study revealed strong genetic similarities in bladder function, reinforcing the idea that bladder health is influenced by your genes. While oral contraceptives may reduce the risk of urinary dysfunction, they are likely working in conjunction with genetic predispositions.
What About Older Women?
The effects of hormones on bladder health in postmenopausal women is divided into issues of local loss of estrogen to the bladder and the urethra. While bioidentical hormones, testosterone, and menopausal hormone therapy have been explored as treatments for urinary symptoms, the evidence is mixed. For example, findings from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) do not support using hormone replacement therapy to treat urinary incontinence in older women. However many studies of local therapy says that fewer infections occur. Individual responses can vary, and some women do experience relief with hormone therapies.
What This Means for Women Considering The Pill
While this study is population-based and doesn’t specifically examine women with severe bladder dysfunction or overt disease, it raises an intriguing possibility: oral contraceptives might be a useful first step for women experiencing mild bladder issues, potentially delaying or reducing the need for long-term medications.
If you’re considering oral contraceptives for their non-contraceptive benefits, including improved bladder health, it’s important to discuss this option with your healthcare provider. They can help evaluate whether The Pill might be a good choice for your individual needs and health goals.
The Takeaway
The idea that oral contraceptives might protect against urinary dysfunction is provocative and highlights how hormones influence more than just reproductive health. While further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore their applications, this study offers an exciting glimpse into a potential new benefit of The Pill.
As always, the decision to use oral contraceptives should be made in consultation with your gynecologist, considering your overall health, lifestyle, and goals. If you’re dealing with bladder concerns or frequent UTIs, ask your healthcare provider about the potential benefits of supplements, vaginal treatments or hormonal therapies and whether they might be right for you.
For personalized advice and care, reach out to Women’s Health Practice—where we’re here to help you explore all aspects of your health.
Fertil Steril. 2009;92:428-433. Abstract
