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

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.

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..

I know this thread is intended for female responses with similar experiences but I may be able to offer some additional information about this.

Firstly, one should discuss this problem in detail with their PCP/GP, neuro, and also a Urologist.

My wife was having a severe problem with leakage and down right spurts upon stress to the abdominal area from exercise, sex, sneezing, and coughing. She consulted with her PCP and was referred to a Urologist. After a full evaluation by the Urologist it was determined that her bladder had settled down to her Uterus. This too is not uncommon for women of pre and menapausal stages.

She had an operation, performed intravaginally, and a cadaver ligament was fastened to her pelvis raising the bladder back to its original position. The surgery was short and she was up and around in a few days. That was about six years ago and she hasn't had a problem since.

However, with age she is experiencing a very slight leakage when she coughs or sneezes but that all. Not at all like the problem before.

I'm glad you chimed in Craig. I wonder if that's what my Uro is talking about? It just seems I've had so much to get through lately, don't want to admit to yet another... problem.

Thanks for your input. (or output) ha! couldn't resist that one!!