Um-- embarrassing but I must ask--so here goes.
About a year ago, maybe more-- I basically had to start wearing Poise pads full time. I'm definitely in menopause,as I average one cycle a year now-- but lately bladder control has become a bit of an issue. Not all the time, but often enough, esp. when I've been drinking lots of water.Luckily I don't "leak" in great amounts, but I am wondering if it's a common MS thing or just an 'aging chick' thing.
My doctors aren't too worried about it, they say it's common at this time of life..
I don't want to take drugs for it, nor has it been suggested,but I was wondering if others on here are experiencing this annoying phenomenon.

Hi MSBEE: Yes it is a problem that goes with ms plus a problem with us aging ladies. There are some meds that they give to you to help. There is also something that they can insert to help control the leaking.

I was asked to take the pills but they are not good for people that have stomach problems and I have them. And the little thing that they insert can't remember the name of it I just did'nt want anything that did'nt belong in my body if I did not have to. This was a talk with my neuro and gyn drs.

So all I do is at times where a light pad for now.

Joyce also known as Jappy

That little thing that can be inserted is called a "pessary"

The way it works, is that when it's inserted, it puts pressure on some spot that keeps you from leaking.

A pessary can be plastic, or made out of rubber, or they can be "pharmaceutical" which means it's made out of a medicine that slowly gets absorbed into your body.

I'm full of information that will only ever become useful to me if I were to get onto Jeopardy.

I have small leaks when I sneeze or cough or laugh hard if I haven't urinated in a while. I have learned to not wait until I need to go but instead to go periodically to try to keep my bladdar relatively empty .

I agree it is a real nuisance. For me, losing weight would probably help a lot. I think your bladdar "drops" when you're as obese as I am.

Yes, Yes and Yes!!

Hi MSBee~ A friend and I were just discussing this very matter. I have had to get up in the night and change my PJ's. It's a subtle leak at night. Also, I notice it when I cough, sneeze or am doing any type of exercise.

I have discussed it w/my Urologist and they said my bladder has thinned out and they can do an Out pt procedure.

I haven't given it much thought yet. It is sooo annoying tho. I am thru Menopause... *yippee* so am just chalking it up to muscle control and getting older..

You betcha, MSBee. It can most definitely be a symptom of MS. One girl I know has been in Depends full time for 3 years, she's 29. I have it from time to time, also bowel incontinence. I've taught myself to mostly control it with program/pattern, but I'm not sure that works for everyone.

Have you mentioned it to your neuro, or just your PCP/Gyno?

Yes Cindy-- I have mentioned it to both my neuro and GP, and they're not too worried about it,as I'm doing okay on the little pads I use.Both say that most women of this age go through it, but MS can be a factor as well. If it becomes markedly worse, they'll address it then. What bugs me most is that very occasionally, I 'leak' without even knowing it until I see it on the pad. It's not a huge deal, but it is a drag.