Stress Incontinence. How bad does it need to get?

[DiddyFace]

I've had one child, 12 years ago, and in the past 6 months have started passing urine when I cough, sneeze or laugh. It's bad enough to soak through my underwear and trousers if I'm not wearing a pad.

Is there anything I can do at home or do I need to see my doctor?

I'm especially worried because I remember my mum having this and, thank God she doesn't read MN, she smelt of wee until she had a bladder lift in her 50s. The operation and diagnostic tests were horrible.

Is this just par for the course after having a vaginal birth?

I'm not an expert, but fortunately GussieGrips is, and she's posted loads of great stuff. There's lots of stuff on here about these issues, but I think you should start with this guest post www.mumsnet.com/Talk/guest_posts/a2085688-Guest-post-Stress-incontinence-Fallen-fanjos-are-a-feminist-issue and the associated comments and go from there. As I understand it the short answer is "Exercise, but if that doesn't fix it there are a bunch of medical / surgical options".

Thanks Very. I'll have a look.

Brilliant link. Thanks very much

Go and see your GP. You might be experiencing reduced levels of oestrogen due to being peri-menopausal or menopausal if it's just come on.

A good GP will investigate the potential hormonal cause and discuss replacements as well as sorting out a referral to a women's physio.

Please don't suffer any more. Any kind of leakage is too much and needs to be sorted.

IK8 I'm only 38 but I think I might be peri-menopausal. My periods have been erratic for the past 3 years. I had blood tests and my fsh levels were normal so it was put down to stress. My cycle is getting shorter and my periods are lasting longer.

I hate all this.

You are not alone!!

The latest NICE report on the subject estimates that 2/3 of women have the problem but fewer than 2% could be 'known' to the NHS. This is an appalling situation that has its roots in the fact that there is an unwillingness by all concerned (including mums themselves) to confront the issues.

Basically, it boils down to the fact that the advice you are given about pelvic floor exercise is just not fit for purpose. The largest clinical trial on the subject showed that 85% of cases could be cured in 2 weeks but no-one tells you about that. They would rather sell you designer incontinence pads for the rest of your life!!! If you want to know why buy The Kegel Legacy on Amazon. The best £1.99 you will ever spend!

You could also get The PelvicToner progressive resistance vaginal exerciser (it's not as bad as it sounds!). This is the only clinically proven pelvic toning device available on GP prescription which means for the vast majority it is FREE of charge and for the remainder it costs £8.05! Your GP should be aware of The PelvicToner. It has been on prescription for over 3 years and is widely recommended and used by physiotherapy departments. It only costs £29.99 if you don’t want to waste your time going to the GP

I will google that scary sounding device Gillian and order that book.

Thanks for the info.