Do wearing incontinence pads make you lazy?

[BG2015]

I've always had some stress incontinence but a small pantyliner was usually enough.

My asthma has gotten worse and worse over the last year (I'm currently under the respiratory team) and recently had an awful bout of the flu which has left me with a terrible, violent cough. I've had to wear proper incontinence pads now, as whenever I cough it's a gush of urine not a trickle. My cough wakes me up during the night so I'm wearing them all the time.

I'm wondering that because I know I've got a pad on 24/7 I'm subconsciously not holding my pelvic floor muscles as well as I should.

I can't go without wearing them until this cough improves but it's worrying me that my muscles aren't being used and will just get worse.

I don’t think it’s you subconsciously not clenching or becoming lazy, it’s just due to the cough.

I have no bladder issues but even I had leakage when I had a prolonged nasty cough last year. I hope the respiratory team can improve things for you.

Not lazy at all. You are unwell, give yourself a break. No shame or laziness in needing incontinence pads, your body is busy fighting other things. Hope you feel better soon OP

Wearing pads does not make you lazy. I have been wearing very large ones during travel that take in whole bladder and have not had any change in able to hold it. I would say even opposite effect as when not afraid any more to find toilet immediately need to go much less.

It is OK to feel comfortable and more relaxed when wear pad that is the whole point

There are other things you can do in addition to try and improve matters, not just kegels. It would be worth asking for a referral (or going privately if funds permit) to a specialist women's health physio who can tailor an exercise routine for you (not just kegels) and suggest other changes which may help.