To hope that I can improve my bladder weakness without medical intervention?

[Malkin48]

Hi, posting for traffic here mainly. I’m 50 and peri, and am finding more and more that I’m having leaks. Sneezing is a disaster, certain times of the month are worse than others and I can’t do any exercise without tenaladies.

I really want to sort this myself. I’ve not been good enough on doing pelvic floor exercises so have been really trying with this lately but with no impact. I’ve been using kegel weights (the lightest one) but find either it falls out instantly or don’t seem to budge (sorry if TMI) so I guess I’m not doing it right.

Has anyone made any big improvements to this themselves and if so, how did you do it? Any particular exercises or tips? Or should I just make a GP appointment?

Thanks!

I follow Elaine Miller on Twitter. She has great advice and exercises.

https://www.pelvicroar.org/gussie-grips

I was just going to recommend Elaine Miller but I see @Posing beat me to it!

You may need to see a pelvic floor specialist/ physio. I started with a biofeedback device to make sure you are squeezing the right muscles. Don’t suffer in silence, there is a lot that can be done to improve things

Another vote for Elaine Miller!

Elaine Millar and vaginal oestrogen

I haven't even had children and started to leak, WTF is that about? Stopped almost immediately with vaginal oestrogen

have you been tested for diabetes?

Are you on vaginal oestrogen already? Or full hrt?

I'm in a similar boat, and to add to the info above, I would say do exercises that strengthen your core. I've been doing 15 - 20 mins of yoga every day and I think my leak problem has improved (Yoga With Adrien on YouTube) but Pilates or whatever suits you. Also, remember to pull your belly in whenever you e.g push a shopping trolley because that engages your core. I know this isn't central to the solution but it can only help.

Vaginal oestrogen.
Pelvic floor physio to check for prolapse/advise on exercises.

I'm post prolapse operation and intending to buy and use a perifit as soon as I'm able to use it. They are pricey but my physio recommends them.

I tried the electric shock thing (kegel 8?) but found it really hurt. I tried on three occasions and was in tears each time.

FWIW I'm super super fit and slim and been lifting weights with correct form and doing yoga for ages. Lovely strong core. But my ligaments in my pelvic floor were screwed due to lack of oestrogen and childbirth. I had no option but surgery.

I've had pelvic floor physio with biofeedback, it was sold to me as almost a miracle cure, I waited bloody months for the appointment, was so thrilled about going. Did all the exercises religiously. The physio lady was really pleased with what the machine told her, apparently I was well on the way to being so much better according to the readings. However, she didn't actually listen to me when I told her that it wasn't working. I went for about 18 months and she eventually discharged me, pretty sure that her magic machine considered me fixed. It made absolutely zero difference. I still pee myself at the drop of a hat, it's not the least bit better. The best I can say is that it doesn't seem to be getting any worse. I an however now something of an expert with the best kind of pads

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I’m not on any HRT but have looked into vaginal oestrogen (but ended up on a site called Gransnet -I’m still struggling with turning 50, no way am I ready to migrate from mumsnet yet!). Will try the Elaine Miller app and some yoga and see how things go.

Estriol cream
Formerly ovestin

You could try cutting out caffeine and alcohol for a fortnight. They’re both bladder irritants. If you see a difference, cut them out altogether.

Nothing works for me

Pelvic floor physio can help so much if you can afford it!

Vagifem pessaies, I was very incontinent until I started using them, now I am 99% dry.

HRT, vaginal oestrogen and Kegel8

Pelvic Floor Exerciser Machines & Trainers | Kegel8