Women's health-embarrassing bladder question?

Question

I have been having problems with bladder control for quite some time. It started to go downhill after my second c-section. (Occasionally my bladder would leak a little even though I hadn't felt the need to "go".) After my third c-section, it has gone downhill quite a bit. Instead of just being the occasional problem, I have leaking every day. (Small amounts that I didn't feel coming until it's too late- enough for me to need to wear a pad every day and need to shower at least twice.) I have been to the family doctor twice about it in the past year. Both times I was given an antibiotic after a quick urinalysis that they say looks "iffy/ could be a UTI" and sent on my merry way! It didn't help either time. Has anyone else had this problem? How did you get it fixed, if there is a fix? I am going for my annual/pap at the end of the month, will my gyne be able to help or should I just refer myself to a urologist? Thank you for your answers!

Thank you all so much- these answers were all very helpful, it was hard to pick just one best answer! I will definitely be working on the kegals between now and the appoinment. I am sure that is going to be the first thing that they suggest anyhow!

Answer 1

Yes you should see a urologist. I suspect you have some Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and possible Interstitial Cystitis (IC)

Currently IC is seen as an injury which can happen from multiple reasons....one of which is abdominal surgeries another is UTI..there are many others.

Because of the lack of control I suspect PFD is contributing

A lot of the other's answers are about PFD: kegel exercises, bladder lift (which would be necessary if the PFD has progressed to a prolapse). What they haven't said but you should know is that kegels can be a problem if your not also taught to relax.
http://icandme.9.forumer.com/index.php?showtopic=6 pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) learning to relax the muscles treatment options symptoms of PFD and more

IF you have some PFD and any retention your risk of UTI's goes up so it is possible that you are having some UTI's but they may be getting in the way of getting the diagnosis of the bigger issue.

Many gyn's these days are taught about the bladder issues as well. It is my gyn that first diagsnosed my PFD but because there may be more going on a urologist should help make sure your bladder is ok. Have you considered a uro/gyn?

A quick urinannalysis can often be wrong...a culture is better.


You may be having muscles spasms that you don't feel....if that is the case a antispasmodic may help. An alternative one is peppermint.

Don't worry there are a lot of options out there for help. ((hugs))

Answer 2

The best way to keep your muscles in shape is to exercise them, and the 2 pelvic floor muscles that support your bladder are no exception. These important muscles prevent leakage from your bladder and bowel, and help strengthen the urethra. If you suffer from leakage due to stress incontinence, performing Kegel exercises for just 5 minutes, 3 times a day, could make a difference. Your doctor can show you how.

For some bladder control problems, such as blockages, weak support muscles, and the need to reposition the bladder, your doctor may suggest surgery.

Also, a number of prescription medications are available that can effectively treat Overactive Bladder. Some medications work by targeting the receptors on the bladder to reduce involuntary contractions and "wetting accidents." Other Overactive Bladder drugs can help relax muscles so the bladder can empty more effectively.

Additionally, as you may already know, although these are not classified as a treatment, absorbent pads, underwear, and leggings can provide an effective backup for when you can't get to the bathroom in time.

Lastly, A few lifestyle modifications could also ease your bladder control symptoms;
Reduce or avoid the foods that can irritate the bladder. These include chocolate, tea, coffee, soft drinks, citrus fruits, fruit juices, honey, sugar, tomato-based products, spicy foods, and alcohol.
Extra pounds can aggravate the symptoms of overactive bladder. Your doctor can help you create an effective eating and exercise plan if you need to lose weight.
Apart from the obvious damage that smoking causes, nicotine may have a negative effect on the bladder. So if you smoke, try to quit.

Your gyne should initially be able to help you but may ultimitely refer you to a urologist if the problem persists. I really recomment the Kegel exercises.

Best of luck to you!

Answer 3

My guess would be to talk to your gyno and a urologist. Bladder issues are not uncommon with pregnancies and there could have been damage caused in the surgery. If that is the case they might need to go back in to repair.
Doctor's first response to most things it to throw medicine on it, have them explain what they think the problem is and what the meds will do to fix it before taking any more drugs.

I would also recommend muscle control exercises. I think they are called kegil exercises. Basically practice "holding it" for a few seconds about 10 times in a row several times a day. If you work at a desk it's pretty easy to do, and no one can tell. you can also try when you are actually 'going' start and stop a few times just to build the muscle control. It's award but it should help.

Answer 4

First, have you tried Kegel exercises. Yes, they work for female urinary incontinence too.

But sometimes they're simply not enough. The one certainty that I can see here is that your family doctor has no respect for you and your problems, and that simply can't go on. Rather than referring yourself to a urologist, refer yourself to a new GP, and the sooner the better. Yes, talk with your GYN about this. You may get that referral that way. In addition, you can ask for help in finding that caring GP.

You deserve to always be dealing with doctors which whom you can communicate and whom you can trust. This one doesn't fit that bill.

Answer 5

This is common. Are you overweight also? If so, then that may be making things worse. Walking regularly, doing kegel exercises and getting the extra weight off will hopefully help a lot. Do your homework and try everything you possibly can after you talk with your GYN, because the surgery for getting your bladder tacked up is very painful.

Answer 6

you might want to try kegel exercises.
if you don't know what that is, there is a link below.
basically, it is the muscle you flex when you want to stop the stream of urine. i've also heard doctors say it's the squeeze you use when you are sliding your pants on and zipping up. you can do kegel exercises while doing normal things like riding the bus or grocery shopping -- no one can see that you are doing it. they strengthen the floor of your pelvic muscles and can make sex more pleasurable as well.
you should definitely see a gyno or urologist about it, though.
they may have better solutions.

i hope you feel better! don't sneeze! :)

Answer 7

there is an exercise called the kegal exercise that may help. they teach it at child birthing classes.
you contract your vaginal muscles slowly and visualize the muscles as an elevator slowly rising to the top floor. you hold the contraction, then release just as slowly.
doing this say, 30 times a few times a day will strengthen your muscles and may help you regain the control...
if i have not explained the exercise well, do a google search on it
good luck..

Answer 8

Yes, I would go to a Urologist.
Gyns are so casual about this problem because they really can't make any money from it.
Do read up on the newest meds for bladder problems before you take them, though, since they can have serious side effects.
Good luck!

Answer 9

My grandmother recently had a procedure done to tighen the muscles in her bladder area... basically from having kids... and the pressure from t he baby on your bladder has made it weak. so it doesnt hold .. if you sneeze pee comes out... try practing Kegels.. to work out those muscles.. if it is that serious , talk to a surgon about possibilites, depending on your condition and age, if there is something you can do.

Answer 10

This seems a pretty common problem. There are non-medicanal approaches (biofeedback, kagel exercises) available. Going to a urogolist is a good idea.