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Pumpkin seeds stopped my leaking!

128 replies

JemimaLikesADuck · 03/07/2025 12:20

After years of random leaking and dribbling after finishing on the loo, I have no issues!

I saw great reviews for a product that claimed to help with leaks but it was pricey. The main ingredient was pumpkin seed oil so I started eating a large handful of pumpkin seeds a day. After 3 weeks I noticed a difference and after 2 months the problem has gone. I can't believe it. Bit annoying that I'd seen a specialist who didn't think to tell me about this. If you are having the same symptoms you really need to try pumpkin seeds. I want to shout it from the rooftops.

OP posts:
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SadAboutSD · 22/09/2025 20:04

Going to try this. Does anyone know: Does it make any difference to the effectiveness if I toast/roast/fry the pumpkin seeds, (maybe in some soy sauce or marmite or whatever), or must they be raw?

scoobs321 · 11/09/2025 16:24

Just coming back on to update, I've been on the H&B pumpkin oil capsules since 5/8 and I can honestly say they are working. Im not getting the urgency later in the day and I haven't changed anything else except for taking the capsules. Really happy that it is working as I cannot afford the branded products (Jude).

Itsallabouttea · 11/09/2025 16:09

scoobs321 · 09/08/2025 08:44

Hi I've been following this thread and have also started using the H&B pumpkin seed oil capsules. It's been less than a week so probably too soon to tell but I do feel like I'm having less accidents where I'm not quite making it to the loo. My issue is urge incontinence where if I'm walking home from work thinking I need a wee when I get home, as soon as I get to the front door it's like there is no holding on anymore and I'm having to either stand still and try to 'gather' myself in order to make it up the stairs or I just go for it up the stairs and leak all the way.
It's always evenings after I've been sipping water all day. Never in the mornings, I can go for a run in the AM and not leak at all, a PM run is a very different story!
Anyway sorry for the essay, I'll report back once I've had time to assess if the pumpkins are working!

I'm exactly the same, once the urge is there I literally have to stop walking and clench with all my might to prevent leaking. Mine has only been an issue since I had a series of horrendous UTIs a couple of years ago so I'm wondering if there's some sort of bladder damage. Going to try these capsules!

GlassofRosePorfavor · 11/09/2025 15:23

Thank you thank you for this thread! The best of mumsnet 😊

Thisismynewname23 · 11/09/2025 08:57

I’m so
glad you have had a benefit xx

ThePoshUns · 10/09/2025 18:38

Just popping back to say that I realised today that I am no longer rushing straight for the loo as soon as the key is in the door. Such a big difference, all thanks to this thread

ThatNoisyTealBird · 12/08/2025 18:19

Comtesse · 10/08/2025 09:21

I love pumpkin seeds - but a few sessions of pelvic floor physio would be a better long term solution to sort out the root cause.

And for @ThatNoisyTealBird and others who have recurrent UTI type symptoms maybe this is of interest? https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/dec/17/millions-of-women-are-suffering-who-dont-have-to-why-its-time-to-end-the-misery-of-utis It may have a hormonal cause - I was astonished when I read this, had no idea.

Thank you 🙂the article reminded me I did look up oestrogen cream a few months ago when I had UTI symptoms for about the fourth time in as many months. I actually messaged my GP (they have an online form thing) to a) ask for antibiotics and b) say I was worried about having so many when I never used to be prone to them and could I speak to someone... they sent a generic reply telling me to see a pharmacist for antibiotics 🙄which I did and then promptly forgot about the cream! I'll look into it again!

Totallytametoucan · 12/08/2025 16:21

Thank you @JemimaLikesADuck for this thread and for all the shared knowledge. I will give the pumpkin capsules a go and finally get around to using Gina, which I bought ages ago and never got around to using. The physio lady mentioned by pp is also on YouTube.

Gingerbreadloony · 12/08/2025 01:37

slapdashsusie · 08/08/2025 15:47

I started my capsules a week ago, and I remember thinking “this must be how a placebo feels” because I felt almost immediate relief.
I ordered from iHerb (couldn’t find it in Sydney) when I first read this thread a month ago.
thank you OP I had never heard of pumpkin seed oil before, and my bladder was ruining my life.

I got some from vitamingrocer.com.au (I was looking for vegan capsules) and there are loads on Amazon.com.au too 👍🏻

mightymam · 12/08/2025 01:01

Has pumpkin oil had any effect on people’s hair? Would love to know.

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 12/08/2025 00:12

Callmemummynotmaaa · 12/08/2025 00:10

Just to say thank you for this thread! I’ve a perfit, have done physio and recently came home from a holiday and completed a new GP referral begging for more help as the leakage is mortifyingly random (consistently only in that it’s daily, rather than to a pattern, other than coffee :( which I love). Seeds ordered. But also - this has been so freeing to read! It’s made me pause and type out my own symptoms and be motivated to follow up rather than hide.

Get the capsules,they work so much better than the seeds in my experience.

Callmemummynotmaaa · 12/08/2025 00:10

Just to say thank you for this thread! I’ve a perfit, have done physio and recently came home from a holiday and completed a new GP referral begging for more help as the leakage is mortifyingly random (consistently only in that it’s daily, rather than to a pattern, other than coffee :( which I love). Seeds ordered. But also - this has been so freeing to read! It’s made me pause and type out my own symptoms and be motivated to follow up rather than hide.

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 11/08/2025 23:56

SauvignonBlanche · 11/08/2025 19:35

My Pumpkin seed oil capsules have arrived 🙌

Do any experienced users have any words of wisdom regarding the best time of day to take?

I’m not sleeping well due to pain and got up to pee 4 times last night!
That’s every 2 bloody hours 😫

I just take mine with my breakfast as it says best with food. Will be interesting to see if it helps,it's still working really well for me, it's really quite amazing.

SauvignonBlanche · 11/08/2025 19:35

My Pumpkin seed oil capsules have arrived 🙌

Do any experienced users have any words of wisdom regarding the best time of day to take?

I’m not sleeping well due to pain and got up to pee 4 times last night!
That’s every 2 bloody hours 😫

Treaclewell · 11/08/2025 13:05

All stone fruits have the risk of cyanide, except almonds from which it has been bred.
I'd better check my BP sometime.
I think my leakage is less, and if I don't respond immediately to an urge, I can still find a mainly dry pad. I noticed before the oil that, if I had to wait to go because person B was having a long session, the urge faded, and I suspect a psychological effect. Even better now.
I did try pelvic floor exercises, but they didn't seem to affect the part that was causing the trouble, the sphincter at the mouth of the urethra, which works when I'm on the loo, but couldn't be controlled off it. Weird.

silverbirchlady · 10/08/2025 23:14

Comtesse · 10/08/2025 09:21

I love pumpkin seeds - but a few sessions of pelvic floor physio would be a better long term solution to sort out the root cause.

And for @ThatNoisyTealBird and others who have recurrent UTI type symptoms maybe this is of interest? https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/dec/17/millions-of-women-are-suffering-who-dont-have-to-why-its-time-to-end-the-misery-of-utis It may have a hormonal cause - I was astonished when I read this, had no idea.

This!
100% many women are diagnosed with UTIs when it's really related to changes following the menopause.
There's a great doctor who gives lots of advice re weight training etc I'll try and find her details

Timeforabitofpeace · 10/08/2025 10:27

Anyway, although I didn’t see the post, apricots have stones and not seeds. They do contain cyanide, as do cherries, which I discovered in A and E years ago after ds ate some cherries whole.

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 10/08/2025 09:51

WhatColourTiles · 10/08/2025 08:57

Am going to try this! Pumpkin seeds or pumpkin seed oil? Does it matter?

The oil capsules have worked MUCH better than the seeds for me,and cheaper.

Dontcallmescarface · 10/08/2025 09:09

Whilst pumpkin seeds are great, they do contain a high amount of potassium and have blood thinning properties, so if you (generic you), are taking any medication such as blood thinners or blood pressure tablets (such as Losartan), please talk to your GP before necking a handful of seeds everyday.

MJ1980 · 10/08/2025 09:02

I read about this too. Good to hear real life experience! Thanks for sharing. I also heard its good for hair loss and regrowth/thickening hair

WhatColourTiles · 10/08/2025 08:57

Am going to try this! Pumpkin seeds or pumpkin seed oil? Does it matter?

ChicaWowWow · 10/08/2025 08:44

mathanxiety · 10/08/2025 02:24

The 'stones' are seeds, not actual stones.

Yep, I know they're not actual stones, but that's what they're called.

ChocolateGanache · 10/08/2025 08:36

Pumpkin seeds are great for lots of things!

Pumpkin seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, offering various health benefits due to their rich content of fiber, healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are particularly known for their high levels of magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants, which contribute to heart health, improved sleep, and a stronger immune system.
Here's a more detailed look at the benefits:

  1. Heart Health: Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium, which is crucial for regulating blood pressure and maintaining a healthy heart. They also contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower bad cholesterol and improve overall heart health.
  2. Improved Sleep: Pumpkin seeds are a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that the body converts into serotonin and then into melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. This can lead to improved sleep quality and a more restful night's sleep.
  3. Immune System Boost: The high zinc content in pumpkin seeds plays a vital role in strengthening the immune system and promoting wound healing.
  4. Blood Sugar Regulation: Pumpkin seeds have hypoglycemic properties, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and may be beneficial for individuals with diabetes, according to Verywell Health.
  5. Digestive Health: Pumpkin seeds are a good source of fiber,which aids in digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and can help with weight management.
  6. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants and other compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
  7. Nutrient Rich: Pumpkin seeds are packed with essential nutrients, including protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins (like vitamin E), and minerals like iron and copper.
  8. May help with weight management: The combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats in pumpkin seeds can help you feel fuller for longer, potentially aiding in weight loss or maintenance, according to 1mg.
In summary: Pumpkin seeds are a nutrient-dense food that offers a wide range of potential health benefits, including supporting heart health, improving sleep, boosting the immune system, and aiding digestion. They can be easily incorporated into a healthy diet as a snack or as an ingredient in various dishes, according to Healthline.
LoveSoftAsAnEasyChair · 10/08/2025 03:20

Not read everyone’s comments, as it’s a quarter past 3 am.
I just wish to mention, that I’ve read advice to pre soak the pumpkin seeds first.. like you should with almonds.

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