I have an issue that's hard for me to talk about so I wanted to ask for support here. Since entering peri I’ve had issues with incontinence. It seems like I have to go all the time now and yet, even when I think I’m empty, I sometimes have an occasional accident. Is this happening with others out there? Is this simply the way it’s going to be from now on, or have you found anything that's worked to regain bladder control?
- Gabi, Toronto
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12Real experiences shared by the community, from the original discussion to today.
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Wend6 years ago
Hi Gabi sorry to hear this. No you’re not alone. To be fair to me I've so many issues at the moment it’s way down my list, I use discreet pads if and when I need them and the best exercise ever is Pilates, you will be amazed how much it helps not just with bladder control. Do speak to a Dr if you can, as embarrassing as it can be they’ve heard most of it before and are really helpful. Hope you get some help.
Anonymous6 years ago
There are some over the counter products; however, I KNOW how embarrassing this can be. I highly recommend Poise Active (the light light liners). They are thin (unlike their original product line) and they absorb a LOT! They can be found in most stores.
ExpertTickler6 years ago
Hi Gabi, there are a number of devices that can help regain your core strength and pelvic floor, and therefore help with bladder control. In the U.K. Evie is a rechargeable device you insert and link to an app where you squeeze as indicated by the app ‘game’. There’s instant feedback guiding you for the duration frequency and strength of the contractions. There are also devices like the Kegel8 which is a medical grade probe linked to a battery unit. You simply select a suitable programme, and intensity. Using either approach you would feel/see results within a few weeks. They’ve been a lifesaver tbh! Yoga/pilates and avoiding caffeine/carbonated drinks but making sure you drink enough water helps too. Hope that helps:-)
Becky from NZ6 years ago
I feel for you Gabi. I don’t have solutions except to say practice strengthening your pelvic floor muscles (google it). That will help you hold it in when you feel the urge. Best wishes from New Zealand.
Lena6 years ago
Hi you are definitely not alone, I’ve been suffering for a few years now, since starting peri menopause and I also have MS as well which they say it’s related. I’ve been using Elvie & it was working well but then recently I’ve been have way to many accidents since lockdown, I would have to duck behind a bush as I was no where near my home. It was getting to the point where I wouldn’t leave the house unless I knew there was a toilet near by. I spoke to my doctor & she has changed my bladder medication & it’s starting to work which is a great relief. I would recommend speaking to your doctor, I know it’s embarrassing but they are used to hearing about this. Good luck
Lily6 years ago
Hi Gabi, you are not alone. For a while I couldn’t laugh too hard, sneeze or cough without getting a little extra from it. It was very frustrating and embarrassing. My gynecologist recommended I do kegel exercises to help strengthen the pelvic muscles. I do them daily and I find that I don’t have to wear liners that often. I hope you get some relief soon.
Amy6 years ago
Hi Gabi, You would be surprised at how many women suffer through incontinence issues! As a registered nurse who used to work in urology, I highly recommend you find a good urologist. Ask for recommendations. I used to work in Columbus Ohio so let me know if by a miracle you live there and I can recommend some doctors. There are a couple of issues that could cause it from a bladder that is not emptying completely to incompetent pelvic floor muscles. There are some easy tests they can perform to narrow it down, there are exercises that can recommended, to possible meds and even medical devices. If a doctor can check you out fully to narrow down cause, you will hopefully have better luck getting back to good!
Gillian6 years ago
I have a wonder drug called Tolterodine. I’ve been on it a number of years and it really helps with the urges. Go to see your doctor. I did. They even referred me to an incontinence clinic. They gave really helpful advice. The other thing I did was to invest in some cloth panty liners for the accidents. They are meant to be for periods so are not as good as a tenna lady but save a fortune in the long run. Hope my experience helps you.
elisabete braga6 years ago
Hi I am in the U.K. I have suffered from bladder problem for about 15 years My youngest daughter is now 18 And it all started from there I suffered from incontinence and urgency as well Two different things About 10 years ago I had a surgery that means Lifting the muscles of the bladder, so you don’t leak. They inserted a type of mesh and it really work. Before I could jump/ sneeze or cough Now I have no problem at all The urgency is a different problem, I take medication to help with It does not work 100% , but it helps Of course the pelvic floor exercise is good But my life is so on the fast lane that I never do them , I admite To me this is not a menopause symptom But a problem that after child birth and dependent how that went, and also the shape of your own body. It is a weakness of the muscle on the bladder There are a lot of exercises to help But like others say speak with your Dr. To determine the cause and find a solution Today I still have to limit my water intake before I go out. Good luck
Anonymous6 years ago
I too am peri menopausal and have problems with urgency and leakage when I think I have fully emptied my bladder. One thing that has really helped me is the Squeezy app. I’m in the UK and it’s available via the App Store here. It was developed by the NHS to guide and encourage women to do pelvic floor exercises, it reminds you to do them three times a day but also has lots of other info. Since I started doing the exercises in the app regularly I noticed a massive difference. Over here it costs £2.99 but it’s well worth that.
Melissa6 years ago
Me, too. I’ve always had a small bladder, but sometimes it feels as if it never quite empties. I have been noticing that the intensity is on a pattern, about every other week, as far as I can tell. I’m going to track it more carefully and see if it correlates with other symptoms, like hot flashes or acne.
Patti6 years ago
Go see a pelvic floor physiotherapist. With treatment it may get way better. You will be able to find them in your area.