Weak bladder at 72

Easy to sew in a bit of extra padding in the gusset area to give more confidence. You could also back it with some thin moisture proof fabric (shower curtain type thing). This is better than spending lots on throw away pads.

You can sew or knit pads of cotton, like the old-fashioned cloth sanitary towels.

Have you asked your GP for a referral to a phyiotherapist who can give you exercises for your pelvic floor? Or asked the practice nurse for advice?

If not, please do so, as strengthening your pelvic floor ought to help.

If you have not discussed this slight incontinence with your GP, do so, as there are lots of reasons for this happening as we age, In my case it was an ovarian cyst that was the culprit as it was taking up space my bladder would have normally have occupied. So a check-up might well be worthwhile.

Have you tried period pants? I haven’t but a firm based in U.K. makes them and some are sustainably sourced cotton, according to ads.

grandtante good advice.

I have occasional stress incontinence, when coughing or sneezing, and use washable pads. For me the Mama Designs teen/mini/light are ideal. They are cotton next to the skin and have a soft waterproof outer layer. If you check the dimensions there is a wide choice. Some are rather bulky but the lights are suitable to use as a pantie liner rather than period wear.
www.ethicalsuperstore.com/category/beauty-health-and-wellbeing/menstrual-care/reusable-sanitary-pads/

Modibodi are good - meant for periods. Also M and S do period pants. Different thicknesses as required

There are prescription-only drugs available but sometimes the side effects are worse than the incontinence, mild or severe.

I went to the GP to discuss why I could not hold on to wee. He said I was suffering from urge incontinence and I am medicated now for this. The problem has basically gone away as the drug relaxes the bladder wall and I do not get the urgent need to wee any more.

That sounds great thank you for the tip.

Tena pants , period pants etc are the equivalent of putting a sticking plaster over a haemorrhage. Ok as short term but you need to treat the cause. Vaginal localised Oestrogen like Vagifem or Ovestin , see a pelvic health physio for assessment and treatment and download the Squeezy App designed for this very problem. It’s a great reminder and keeps track of your exercises. Hope this helps .

Since for our health the most necessary is drinking plenty of water that comes back at us in the night. If you don't have other worrying simptoms, try with alternative medicine, my research showed me that african plum, saw palmetto, sabal palm, pumpkin seed etc. could help so I found on internet natural medicine that contains all of the above and is not expensive, name is Regen50, I ordered online so I don’t know about availability in the stores. Research the internet and try with herbal but again I repeat if you have some other symptoms go do check ups but if it’s only urination try with herbal. Cheers

My stress incontinence was caused by vaginal atrophy. Replens sorted that but I never got my confidence back so I still wear Tena pads. But when I’m going walking or travelling I cover the pad with some towelling. Thank goodness for leggings and tunics so no one can see how bulky it looks. I also only drink decaffeinated tea and coffee if I’m going out.

What about "psychological" incontinence? I can go for hours but as soon as I clock there is no access to a loo ....guess what? Or out for a walk - all fine until I am within sight of my front door?

I'm the same Maw - can go for hours knowing there are department stores, train stations, etc., or in parks where there are bushes!

I have yet to go behind a bush, but knowing they're there keeps my bladder in check.

MawtheMerrier

What about "psychological" incontinence? I can go for hours but as soon as I clock there is no access to a loo ....guess what? Or out for a walk - all fine until I am within sight of my front door?

Key in door syndrome I’m afraid….got that, too!

Ask your GP about Vagifem or Vegirux. Vaginal tablets , easy to insert - brilliant!

I do regular exercises and ward it off that way. A couple of days without the exercises show me I'm on the right track.

PS - am good at finding bushes on walks. Never minded this.