Personal stories about women who chose different treatments to manage stress incontinence
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
Tina, age 39: I started having stress incontinence after my son was born. After I had my second child, it got worse. I feel like I am way too young to be wearing pads or diapers, and I worry that other people will notice the smell. My doctor showed me how to do some exercises to strengthen the muscles that help hold urine in. I know other women who have been helped by them. I am glad to have options other than surgery.
Maria, age 45: I thought I had tried everything for my stress incontinence. I can manage it most of the time, but when I jog, I get quite a bit of dribbling. I went to my doctor to find out whether there was anything I hadn't tried or whether surgery was my only other option. We talked about a lot of options, like pelvic floor exercises and wearing a tampon when I jog to put a little pressure on my urethra and stop the leaking. I am going to give those methods a try.
Faith, age 39: Ever since I was in my 20s, I have leaked a little bit of urine when I cough or sneeze or exercise. After I had my kids, it seemed to get worse. I really wanted a solution that would take care of the problem all the time. Even though there are some risks, my doctor and I agreed that surgery was a reasonable choice for me.
Carrie, age 55: At my last visit, my doctor and I talked about many aspects of getting older: the leaking urine, the weaker bones, the change in my hormones, and all that. I was surprised to learn there are medications available that may help with my urine leakage problem. It is good to know that I can try something other than absorbent pads or surgery.
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW | Last Updated: September 22, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology | |
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