Embarrassing health issue

I have the Kegel app on my phone and every time I use the phone I do the exercises, which do not entail shoving anything up the nethers or lying on the floor - just squeezing pelvic floor muscles.

The exercises take about 1 minute - that is all. Really worthwhile. It is free on Google apps. It basically just reminds you to do the exercises and takes you through a different routine at a different level each time. It has helped me.

Redhead56

Have you had any womens ops beside having children? I was told to expect this after being sterilised. Its not something that happens all the time just now and again. I was also told at the time to have it corrected was not always successful.

I find that really strange. I cannot for the life of me understand how having your Fallopian tubes cut/tied/clipped can affect your bladder or pelvic muscles.

Pilates core exercises can really help.

I had a lot of UTIs and kidney infections and needed 16 courses of antibiotics. A nurse told me to make sure your knees and hips are in line sitting on the toilet and sit up straight. That way your bladder empties completely. I have an ease toilet so use the step I brought for my grandson's and put feet on that. Also always sit for a minute or two to make sure my bladder is empty. Not had an infection since May. Also no longer leak a little urine when I cough. It's worth a try. But you need to see your GP.

Have you had any womens ops beside having children? I was told to expect this after being sterilised. Its not something that happens all the time just now and again. I was also told at the time to have it corrected was not always successful.

Oh please do ask your gp for a referral. There are various options for you and buying panty liners like this means you do need further help which really is available.

I have a friend who is a physio specialising in incontinence issues.
She prescribes an oestrogen pellet inserted deep into the vagina plus a lubricating gel plus a strict regime of pelvic floor exercises.
Apparently it is lack of oestrogen caused by menopause plus all the injuries we get through childbirth etc. that causes it.

Being on HRT means that I am protected to a large extent but she sometimes puts us all through our paces with Kegel pelvic floor exercises causing a great deal of hilarity.
You pull up your pelvic floor at the front, squeeze it very tight and count to 10, release count to 5, pull up squeezing hard and count to 10 and so on until repeated 30 times. After a one minute break do another 30 repetitions. Do these a couple of times a day. You can also do this by pulling up your rectum, squeeze tight and count to 10 as before. To vary things you can alternate doing front lift and squeeze to count of 10 relax 5 then back passage lift and squeeze for 10, relax for 5. Again do
30 repetitions.
For all of us it was extremely difficult to start with hence the hilarity but we mostly got to be able to hold for 10 after a couple of months of doing it every day. The important thing is to build up to the target and do it every day.

In addition to the above, sure you empty your bladder properly after going to the toilet. If you raise yourself up a couple of inches then sit down again any retained urine should empty.

If you see your GP - not an easy task just now - ask to be referred to a physio who specialises in continence (or a nurse). They should be able to assess you - bladder scans etc and provide advice about exercises/appliances that help. Before that VioletSky gives great advice. We should all have been doing that after childbirth. I know I tried for a while but the business of being a Mum to 3 under 3 put paid to it! I do sometimes leak if I cough or go on the trampoline with the DGC ?

Having had 5 children pelvic floor exercises make such a difference.

Take the elevator half way up, hold for 3 seconds, take it up to the top, and release...

It can be hard to find it at first, so try when actually urinating to stop yourself and that will help you find the right muscles.

Please don't be embarassed to see a doctor

I use Allways pantiliners too and I do know that I ‘leak’ when I cough., which is quite often due to asthma/lung problems. I am older than you, and leaking is part and parcel of growing old, I guess. However, my liners are never really ‘wet’ as such, so my liners are probably absorbing it.
When I remember, I do the ‘squeeze and release’ exercise (while watching TV)
I’m sure someone with more knowledge and experience will come along with advice. I too look forward to the replies.

You can tone and strengthen your muscles. I had a bladder prolapse after having my fourth baby. The Hab it Pelvic Floor Exercise DVD by Tasha Mulligan solved the problem. There's a downloadable version now.