How do you know if you have incontinence? TMI

[BraveLilBear]

Stupid question ahoy.

If you have incontinence issues, how do you know? I always assumed you would 'feel' the leak at the time or at least the fluid after but I really don't know.

My DS is 7mo and was delivered by forceps. My pelvic floor is very clearly still not right but GP intimated that I had to wait a year before investigating.

I am not aware of any leakage at the time, but I can sometimes smell a bit of wee in my knickers, and if I feel brave enough to touch my vagina, my fingers sometimes smell of wee.

I don't go to the loo very often as I rarely need it, but when I have really needed it, I can hold it fine. No sign of any leaks when sneezing, coughing etc either.

I went for a run about 3 months ago and my pelvic floor felt very uncomfortable, like things might fall out. I thought this was episiotomy scar related. Didn't notice leaks but when I got in the shower there was a faint smell of urine.

Too scared to go again just in case even though I used to run a lot.

Could I be incontinent and not realise? I'm so desperately ashamed and embarrassed

Firstly dont be ashamed or embarrassed
You are best going to your GP.. If it is mild stress incontinence pelvic floor exercise usually help.

You can get medication to help eg, Vesicare, if you feel like you have or are getting a prolapse ask your gp for a referral to gynae.
Also takes sample to the dr in case you actually have a UTI.

If you are not going to the loo often, are you drinking enough water?

Your urine may just be strong and smell more.

If you can get referred to a physio who specialises in gynae, they will be able to help with muscle problems and see if you need to be referred on.

That's a good point - I don't drink enough. I find it really difficult to drink lots, even more so as I'm breastfeeding.

I'm really fed up of not being able to exercise and my sex life is abysmal but had been putting asking for help off as I'd had such a dismissive response before that I figured it was just normal.

Will try and get my brave on and find a sympathetic GP (devastatingly the best 2 GPs have just broken away and set up a new practice in a town that I can't get to without the car).

Strong urine (just a drop) would smell as would sweat which you may be confusing. I think you really would notice leaking urine

It's possible to be getting a few drops that come out after you have finished weeing and wiping yourself. Have a look at your GPs surgery website and see if any of them specialise in Women's Health and try and get an appt with that one, ask for a referral to the gynae physio. The discomfort you experienced when running indicates that all is not completely right down below and they can give advice about exercising safely / lifestyle factors / PF exercises etc.

Another possibility is that, since you are breast feeding, and not ovulating, you might have low oestrogen levels and have vaginitis.

This can cause a change of pH in the vagina, putting your microflora out of balance, and you can get Bacterial Vaginitis, symptoms of which are a watery discharge which smells 'fishy'. (IME, this means smells like dirty urinal).

Other low oestrogen problems in that area (numerous, irritating and embarrassing) include, soreness, itchyness, dryness,hurty sex, bladder irritation, worsening of incontinence.....

Hope you find a GP specialising in women's health, as above.