I’ve got a cough and I keep wetting myself!

[Crouchingdragonhiddentiger]

I’m only 35 so I didn’t expect my bladder to be this weak just yet.

I’ve got a nasty cough following a flu like illness and everytime I cough (which is fairly forceful) I end up wetting myself! I’ve been wearing sanitary towels and I keep having to change my knickers, but I feel like I’m too young for these issues?

Has anyone else had similar?

I tend to disagree.

We had years of not talking about stuff like this, and it is so common. There are exercises that help some women, but they don’t work for everyone. There are plenty of products available to help with leaks, and it’s good that it’s accepted, and there’s no need for embarrassment.

I have that exact model of TENS machine and it works very well for me.
Looks the same but I bought mine in 2017.
It still works, just takes a couple of AA batteries that last ages.

Took a couple of weeks although I noticed improvement within a few days when I used it daily, then I went down to weekly for a bit until I forgot about it for a couple of years.
I really noticed a massive difference after the first couple of weeks using it daily and I could basically stop worrying about any accidents.

Started when I had an uncontrollable cough and was at my wits end.
Got the same problem a few years later, pulled the machine out and it fixed it again.

I don't seem to get the pelvic exercises right, but this does them for me, or at least solves that issue.

It's basically silent and fairly discreet - you need to be sitting down so not really suitable for use while walking around.
I used it on all the different settings as I hadn't got a clue which I ought to be using.
Just sat down, turned on the tv and watched something while it did it's thing.

Couldn't really feel it much at first, but as it strengthened my muscles I could, so if you try one, give it time.

I went from fine but no trampolines, to having to use at least a pack of the heaviest Tena a day and change clothes, to needing nothing even on a trampoline.

Well, it's not normal, and it is annoying. But-

• kegals don't fix a lot of pelvic floor issues (usually the cause)
• I'd rather pee myself a bit when I cough than use a pressary
• and I'd MUCH rather pee myself a little than go anywhere near pelvic floor surgery, which is just a shit show.

So maybe there is a place for shock and outrage about the lack of investment at a research and NHS level about women's health, but with what we have at the moment, a lot of us just have to live with peeing ourselves- and it's good to see it being openly discussed.

It's not normal and you need to see a pelvic Physio. I wouldn't bother with GP and get private physio consult.

Tena lady and a wad of toilet tissue. It's horrible.

For anyone who has regular bladder problems, look up Jude tablets. They were on Dragon’s Den, I’ve been taking them for a couple of months and can’t believe the difference they’ve made. They’re not cheap and it does got to pot a bit if I’ve got a cough or am ill, but really worth looking into.

I am also 35 and after 4 kids this happens to me too, I can't trust sneezing, coughing sometimes even laughing 😅

I have that exact model of TENS machine and it works very well for me.

Yes it's really good and a bargain IMO.

Have you had children? And do you do pelvic floor exercises?

I had whooping cough last April and wet myself quite a lot when I coughed. If you look at NHS website it says that's one of the side effects.

I'd worry if it was a regular cough but for a severe cough I think it's to be expected