Do using 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 think lazy is the wrong word.
however I wonder have you had opportunity to access women’s physio or continence service to deal with the underlying issue?

@Nomorecoconutboosts I need to definitely, but at the moment my asthma is my main concern. I have a severe type of asthma which causes me to have a great deal of time off work and have to attend lots of hospital appointments.

Seeking help for my incontinence will mean asking for more time off work but it does need sorting.

@BG2015 I've recently started seeing a women's health physio for the same issue. It's worth seeing someone when you can. in the meantime, download the NHS Squeezy app and practise doing the exercises everyday. They're very quick and easy to do.