27 and incontinent!?

[VegIsNotTheEnemy]

Hello everyone, I've name changed because I'm too embarrassed that anyone might have an inkling who I am.

I'm 27, no kids, not overweight. I've been stress incontinent for at least 10 years, probably longer. The last month or so I've noticed maybe 3 times now I need to go, and haven't made it to the loo in time and have actually had an accident.

I've tried Kegels for months on end, I've tried Ben Wah balls, I've tried electric stimulators to tighten my pelvic floor. Nothing has worked.

Is there anyone else with stress incontinence with no kids at my age? I find I'm looking forward to having a baby (not any time soon!) because then I'll have an excuse for being leaky!

Im in a new relationship and don't want to have the conversation with him, but also can't be "spontaneous" without me extensively planning beforehand and having spare pants, wipes etc in my bag and getting rid of the pad before he sees it.

I'm mortified but extensive googling over the years shows a GP will only really prescribe what I've already tried.

Is anyone else in the same situation/has positive experiences of what to do next?

I think you need to ask your GP to refer you to urology. This isn’t normal and you need proper investigation and treatment.

A side note on this is how much I bloody HATE those ads for flipping tena and always pants that normalise incontinence and stop people seeking help because they can buy pads in Asda. Rant over

Ah that is really not the answer I was hoping for 😞

Yes it's all very well and good being able to buy a bazzillion pads, but they don't actually solve the problem and it doesn't remove the stigma associated at all.

Sorry if that was harsh but you’ve been dealing with this in your own since you were what 17???? Definitely time for some professional support and advice. And if there isn’t any curative treatment available at least you’ll know that for sure

@VegIsNotTheEnemy, you need a referral to a physio who specialises in gynae issues. She will know far more than the GP about this stuff, and should be good at handling your embarrassment. She's seen it all before.
Get a phone appointment with the GP and ask to be put on the waiting list for your nearest gynae physio. You may feel like a specialist but you're not!

Agree if you've tried all the basics and had the problem for a very long time you need proper investigation under urology. I know it is embarrassing but for that small step the problem could be resolved, or you could go on as you are with no chance of change.

I do feel for you OP. This happened to me a few times when I was your age and was mortifying but weirdly not happened for years. I'm 50 now and have had a child (by C section.) The only thing I can put it down to was that I used to be a smoker and was coughing a lot so I think this weakened me. But if there is nothing obvious in your lifestyle and you have tried to solve it yourself then I do think you should try to see a specialist.

@FuckTheLemons not double jointed. I have a very active job and I'm on my feet all day though so I don't think the constant movement helps.

I'll bite the bullet and speak to my GP. It feels a bit silly calling about it especially now when the NHS is under so much pressure as it is

GP and push for a referral to a urogynaecologist. Yes the NHS is under pressure with Covid but it's still open for business.

I've had the same and they found a condition that I need an op for. I cannot bloody wait to not have to wear the big thick pads and to be able to make it to the loo first thing without getting wet legs!!

If anyone is lingering have a look at the website
theflowerempowered.com/

It was started by a woman a few years ago trying to spread awareness and create basically a support group for sufferers! There are lots of information and vidoes. She is trying to create an active forum but it's taking a while to take off, so please leave a comment, share a story etc!