Bladder weakness getting worse

[ChangeMustCome]

Hi, I am after some guidance about bladder weakness and how people have improved their bladder/pelvic floor. I am 44 and not sure if this is menopause related.

I don't struggle to get to the loo on time unless I'm bursting but if I cough, sneeze, laugh etc I always have some leakage lately and it's really annoying.

I am also wondering if anyone thinks long term use of a mooncup and bladder weakness could be related? I have been using a mooncup since I got my period after my last child 13 years ago and wonder if the vacuum/suction could have an impact on my pelvic floor?

Nope, more likely having had children and getting older. Loads that can be done though, so see your gp.

Thank you. I will see the GP if I have to but getting an appt is a right pain and I don't feel ill so I was wondering about any pieces of equipment etc people would recommend first!
I know it's so common amongst mothers and I'm guessing some people on MN will have experience!

There is a website called "bladder matters" this might have some good ideas.

I've just come on to start a thread about bladder weakness . I'm looking at buying a Keegle8 . The reviews are mainly good but I'm still hesitant .

Thank you I will check out Bladder Matters and also, @Bedsheets What made me write this was the daunting array of stuff out there and my mistrust of selling website reviews!

Go to YouTube. Elaine Miller. Aka Gussie Grips.She is a physio who specialises in women’s incontinence/ bladder/ pelvic floor issues. She is also very funny.

Thanks, turns out she's from my home town!

All you need to do is as k GP for a referral to the Womens' Health Phisio.
I had your problems, went to see the WHP who was extremely helpful, explained exercises in detail and impressed on me I had to do them religiously every day, 3 x. She told me that she can help virtually all of the people she sees to a great extent and that she acieved total success with a lady of 94 who had put off getting help with her difficulty for years. (I asked as I work with older people)
I can now run, jump and ride a bouncy horse without worry. Of course as it is NHS it is totally free, but even if you see a private WHP ( I researched) the cost is very modest, especially in relation to incontinence supply costs.

Thanks @ExConstance.
I'm so impressed and will take your advice and get a phone appt tomorrow, hopefully which will trigger a referral!

My GP recommended the NHS Squeezy app. It worked for me. It teaches you how to do pelvic floor exerciseS and reminds you to do them.

I'd only caution that although the results were very good it did take a long time, 3 months to see marked improvement and I suddenly realised after about 6 that I didn't have a problem at all anymore.

Hiya - got a phone consult today and am now on waiting list for female physio. Downloaded the squeezy app.l too, looks great! Thanks everyone.

Kegals helped my leaking. However had to stop doing them as often as it was irritating my bladder in other ways. Have a look at femfusion on YouTube she has a lot of bladder/ pelvic floor strengthening videos

Keep doing pelvic floor exercises. There was a nurse talking about this on Woman's Hour about a month ago and if you do lots of pelvic floor exercises - long hold and short pulsing every day it will improve after 3 months. I think the broadcast was on Friday 29th October.