Pelvic floor woes

[Dontfencemein]

I’m 47. Light periods now but no other major symptoms of menopause or peri menopause that I can see.

I’ve always ran on and off over the years for months at a time and taken a break when life got busy or my knees got sore.

This time last year I was running 5k with only some minor dampness. Since the start of this year I’ve had terrible bladder leaks when running, well beyond what so-called “confidence pants” can deal with. I’m fine the rest of the time, not overweight and fairly fit. I’m also ridiculously embarrassed about talking to my GP about this over Zoom!

Is this the shape of things to come? Is it normal?

Buy a kegel8 ultra 20 machine. I’m 6 weeks in and it has stopped my incontinence completely. Takes a bit of getting used to but I bit the bullet and thought I had to try something. My orgasms are stronger, vagina feeling less baggy and stopped leaking pee when I sneeze etc. The reviews on trust pilot and on there website convinced me to order. Pricey but can’t put a price on dignity really I felt

Also vaginal estrogen cream has really helped me. Still have to do the exercises, but it really makes a difference.

@Fromneverland

I've just googled this because I keep thinking I need to do something. Do you need to actually DO pelvic floor exercises with this inserted? Because I suspect that if I did actually do them at all I'd be ok, without spending the money.

(It's like any other form of exercise - I make excuses of lack of time/energy)

@MadMadMadamMim
Hi , there is one they sell which you have to do the work with: but I got the electric one. The ultra 20 . It’s like a tens machine for inside the vagina.
You insert a gold plated probe and gradually increase the strength. It has various programmes for all sorts of feminine issues and bowel problems too.
It physically picks up my pelvic floor and then does the tightest Kegel squeezes on certain programmes. (I hadn’t felt that feeling since pre childbirth)
Others it does a tapping or knocking sensation.
I have gone from two bad births, dragging sensation, looseness and dribbling and not even able to hold a Kegel barely at all, to strong Kegel holds that I can maintain for ten seconds or more- in 6 weeks . I use once a day, at night while watching tv before my shower.
Full results are after 12 weeks and you can use twice a day for even better results. I’m impressed so far and won’t give up as I know it’s working. I thought nothing could fix me, and GP wasn’t interested at all. I’m not menopause age yet, but wanted to help before that hit aswell.
I also would never have used it if it was one that made me do the work that’s why I treated myself and splashed out 😂

Wow, that sounds amazing. I’m 46 and things are moving on the wrong direction with my pelvic floor as well. Not major leaks yet, but i could do with some help.😂

Thank you ladies. I’d been thinking about trying one of these and am now convinced.

I know there was some research some time ago on vaginal weights v just doing kegels yourself and there was no difference.
If you search for Elaine Miller (aka Gussie Grips) she has some great Youtube videos etc ( she's a women's physio/ comedian ) which are helpful.

@Fromneverland

Thank you very much. That sounds like an idle, incontinent's delight! (Me being the idle incontinent). I do find that I have days where if I take a sudden coughing fit, or sneeze unexpectedly, that I pee myself a little. I shall take a look.

@Dontfencemein I had surgery after my 2nd child was born, for prolapse. I tried running a little, a few years later and felt (very quickly) a feeling of 'falling out' beginning. I saw a women's physio and was told no high impact exercises ever. hey said anything where both feet are off the ground at once is bad because the impact on the pelvic floor when you land is detrimental.

Certain exercises- lifting weights, some Pilates - are a no-no too.
The website of physio Michelle Kenway has loads of info/ videos/ what to do and not do.