Leaking a bit of wees!

[nickle730]

So, after three vaginal births I find that my pelvic floor is not what it used to be! My youngest is 3 (can I still call it post natal??) and since her birth I have felt 'weak' in that area. It has come to my attention that after I use the loo, I may in fact be leaking a little bit of wee. Long story involving panty shields and then a pair of bathers...! So I think I need to see a physio specialising in women's health? Any other suggestions? Something I can do at home would be great! Apart from pelvic floor exercises, which I already do and yes, I do them correctly. I also try to make sure I empty my bladder completely when I urinate. If I have to go to a physio, what will she do? Come on ladies, tell me I'm not the only one!!

[Swamp princess]

I've heard good things about the kegalmaster. Aussie company. Kinda like resistance training for your pelvic floor. I was surprised to work out that my "pelvic floor" lifts I was doing were not quite right.

[HotI]

after my first, I saw a physio for bladder issues. there was bladder retraining with drinking certain amount, and then holding on to it for certain time. exercises, and physio can check you are tightening correct muscle, squats can help but depends on what is the issue.

definitely worth working on it now, you are only young and don't want this following you forever.

[nickle730]

Thank you, ladies. I will google 'kegalmaster' - is that something I can do at home?

HotI, yes, I am VERY young!! Lol... I'm 36, which is young in the scheme of life. When you saw the physio, what did she actually do? It's a knickers-off activity, isn't it...? This is what is putting me off! I'm happy to talk about it all day long, but I really don't want to get my vagina out for someone whom I've just met!! Silly, I know, but the idea of it makes me come over all anxious!

I thought that things would just get better with time and pelvic floor exercises, but I think in fact the problem is worsening? I'm reasonably sure that I'm doing my exercises correctly. I've actually had physio for a long term back injury and the physio used an US to check that I was engaging all the correct muscles when lifting my pelvic floor and engaging my core muscles. She doesn't specialise in women's health, but I assume she knew what she was looking for!

[nickle730]

The Kegelmaster looks like a dildo and talks about improving my sex life! Lol! I can't figure out how it actually works?

[2CheekyMonkeys]

I have that issue too. Though I haven't spoken to anyone about it because it's not on the list of symptoms. It's always urge incontinence or stress incontinence. But I only ever get it just after I've done a wee. So too embarrassing to talk about. I just make do with panty liners. As a 'just in case'.

[Olive]

I had to have surgery to fix my problem I also saw an incontinence nurse.
Are you in melbourne?

[HotI]

HotI, yes, I am VERY young!! Lol... I'm 36, which is young in the scheme of life. When you saw the physio, what did she actually do? It's a knickers-off activity, isn't it...? This is what is putting me off! I'm happy to talk about it all day long, but I really don't want to get my vagina out for someone whom I've just met!! Silly, I know, but the idea of it makes me come over all anxious!

She put the tip of her finger inside and had me squeeze different muscles. This was only a short part of the appt, but it is actually why is stopped going, but i was recovering from trauma and it was just too much at the time. The advice that i got in a couple of appts allowed me to work on it at home.

I also wrote a bladder diary for a few days, all fluid input and output. You could tell the physio you are not yet comfortable for a physical exam. A description of what is happening, might be enough for her to give you some suggestions.

[nickle730]

Olive, yes, I am in Melbourne - can you recommend someone wonderful?

2CM, don't be embarrassed! I am not embarrassed as such, just avoiding having to get my undies off for a stranger! Speaking to girlfriends and reading the responses to this thread, you and I are not alone in suffering from some urinary incontinence.

HotI, I think a diary would show that I go to the loo approximately 10 times per day, which I think is far more than most women? I just can't hold it very long. I also can't stop midstream very effectively. When I feel like I am done, I lean forward to completely empty my bladder but I still often stand up and discover, oops, not quite done yet! DH tells me that sex feels the same to him, but I don't honestly think he would tell me otherwise! DTD certainly isn't as satisfying for me as it was pre kids.

I had a look at the Kegelmaster, it seems to have mixed reviews. I have just ordered a Pericalm and probe. Reviews all seem excellent. One of my concerns with the Kegelmaster is my doubt that my pelvic floor muscles are actually strong enough to effectively use it. The Periform uses an electrical impulse to stimulate the correct muscles. All the reviews I could find were excellent. It needs to get here from the UK, but I will certainly update my progress for you, 2CM, and anyone else who is reading but too shy to post!

I'm happy to talk about it, just don't want to 'show' anyone!

[Frangipani Lou]

Nickle, I could have written your post. I see a specialist physio in Malvern who taught me to do the exercises properly and gave me a routine to follow. We have gradually increased the difficulty of the exercises. Happy to give you details of the practice if your interested.

Eta- these are specialist physios who are SO respectful and gentle and its their job to put you at ease.

[Olive]

Will PM you

[Liviam]

Also make sure that you have no bowel issues either as that strongly affects your pelvic floor as well. You need to ensure that you have soft and easy to pass stools and that you aren't straining at all. this will impact your pelvic floor greatly.

An incontinence nurse is a great support.