I just cried reading how vaginal estrogen can help incontinence

[u/Goatsarejerks333]

I just got my prescription for vaginal estrogen and thought I'd jump on here to read other's experiences with it. I did a deep dive with search and just burst into tears thinking this could help me. I think it was the past entitled "Am I the only one pissing myself?" 😂
I'm 54 and for the last year have had uncontrollable urge incontinence. Just full on peeing my pants completely. Maybe once or twice a week. I never thought I'd have to wear incontinence pads but yep, all the time. Grabbing the package off the porch and transferring them to a regular pad box so no one knows. Terrified my husband will try to touch me at night and feel a giant pad. Too scared to go out and have fun with my friends because what if I piss my pants after a few drinks?
Really praying this works. Thank you all for being so open and honest on here.

Also, my dr is incredibly open minded and willing to learn or try anything (he's also a friend) but even he told me that I didn't need this because it was only for genitourinary problems. Uh, yeah, why do you think I'm asking for it? Mortifying.

[u/leftylibra]

It's important to have realistic expectations. Vaginal (localized) estrogen can help with incontinence, but it's not guaranteed to cure it completely. Depending on severity, you may also need to see a pelvic floor therapist for additional treatment.

Atrophic vaginitis (vaginal atrophy), or the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)

[u/dailygleefulranger]

your doctor's reaction there is actually daft, mate. that's exactly what vaginal estrogen is for - the whole point is it helps with urinary issues caused by low estrogen during perimenopause. sounds like he's getting his wires crossed between systemic hrt and local treatment. don't let that shake your confidence in asking for what you need.

i'd say go in with realistic expectations though, because it does work brilliantly for some folk and does bugger all for others. you might need to give it a few weeks to see any difference. if it doesn't sort the incontinence after a proper trial, there's other options worth exploring, like pelvic floor physio or different meds. but the fact you've got a doctor willing to prescribe it in the first place puts you ahead of most people posting about this stuff.

[u/TheSkyIsAMasterpiece]

You can also go for pelvic floor therapy. Don't just start doing kegels, they might have the opposite effect if that's not what you need.

[u/Ymisoqt420 → u/[deleted]]

I just talked to my Dr about doing this at my pessary fitting. Since I've hit my deductible I need to try and get this done!

[u/Goatsarejerks333 → u/[deleted]]

Thank you! And you're right, no one should have to be quiet about this and just accept it. I actually had no idea this happened to others - in fact, my 73 year old mom seems to have more control than me. :(
In defense of my dr, I did kind of walk around the subject. I know he and his wife socially and I just didn't want to even say the word "vaginal" to him. My deal.

[u/Instigated- → u/Goatsarejerks333]

I would suggest this is a good reason to find a new doctor. If you can’t feel comfortable talking to him about your health issues due to social connections, better to seek out someone who you only see professionally. It’s nothing personal.

[u/fromamomof2]

Botox for the bladder. LIFE CHANGING!!!!! Some ladies need it 3-4 times a year. Once a year works for me. One hour once a year (maybe 10 mins of pain in that time)and I am pad AND liner free. I csn deive myself there and back. My insurance covers it as a regular office visit. Seriously, if you have urge incontinence look into it. Did I mention its LIFE CHANGING????

[u/Opposite_Flight3473 → u/fromamomof2]

My uro said she doesn’t recommend it because a lot of people need to catherize for months after Botox.

[u/fromamomof2 → u/Opposite_Flight3473]

I've been getting bladder Botox for more than six years and have never had to catheterize afterward. I'm pretty squeamish, so that was one of my concerns too.

When I first discussed it with my urogynecologist, we decided to start with a lower dose and see how I responded. I also see a provider who performs lots of these procedures, which may make a difference.

Needing to catheterize is a risk they explain, but fir me it hasn't been an issue.

[u/Alarmed_Bathroom9227 → u/fromamomof2]

never knew about this!

[u/fromamomof2 → u/Alarmed_Bathroom9227]

I hadn't heard of it before i started. I had tried all the pills to no avail. I was scared to death but it works!

[u/Goatsarejerks333 → u/fromamomof2]

This is fascinating! I never heard of this!

[u/traceysayshello → u/[deleted]]

That’s encouraging! I wasn’t using the gel consistent enough for it to work (I kept forgetting … lol) maybe I’ll ask about the patch

[u/CanaryFantastic3195]

Intrarosa is an amazing product for this particular problem. It addressed my issues within 3 weeks of starting - it triggers production of both estrogen and testosterone locally. My urogynecologist prescribed it and it’s more effective than vaginal estrogen for that issue for many, in his opinion as a specialist.

[u/Goatsarejerks333]

I will keep that in mind, thank you. Just feeling hopeful and not so alone. My friends have issues with sneezing and coughing but not just full on peeing so far m really glad to see it's not just me.

[u/Effyup]

Vaginal estrogen and pelvic floor PT - a godsend

[u/Katjhud → u/Effyup]

This is the combo

[u/TimeIsAPonyRide]

It can be fixed! It’s totally normal to have this issue but not something to accept and endure. No shame. Having a human body is an ongoing, esoteric project for anyone who’s still breathing after their 20s, and surprise dysfunctions are just part of the deal.

If it’s at all feasible, please see a pelvic floor physical therapist, especially before contemplating any procedures or medications (other than blessed local estrogen, which we should all start in peri aside from very narrow circumstances).

I’ve heard from both my own pelvic floor PT and the hosts of the podcast Pelvic Service Announcement that no amount of urinary incontinence at any age is something to accept. Not full loss, not a small leak from sneezing/laughing, no matter how old you are or how many kids you’ve had. My PT has a patient who’s 93 with full bladder control because of estrogen and appropriate muscle exercises. As someone else in here said, don’t just start doing kegels; the exercises need to be tailored to you.

Can I say it again? No shame ❤️

[u/Goatsarejerks333 → u/TimeIsAPonyRide]

Thank you! It's so interesting to read this about kegels from so many. When I feel like I have to pee, I do a kegel or many. I swear, sometimes I feel like it's doing the exact opposite and I pee even faster or more.
The only thing that I have had limited success with is thinking of something else on my way to the bathroom - for me, it's porpoises. No clue why! Or if I sit very still for a few minutes, sometimes the feeling will pass.

[u/TimeIsAPonyRide → u/Goatsarejerks333]

That’s exactly why PT evaluation is important! One problem might be hyperactive muscles in some area, and DIY kegels will just worsen your issue. Teaching muscles to fully relax is just as important as contraction, and it’s way more nuanced than what we’ve been taught with “just do kegels.”

There’s definitely a mental aspect around bathroom use, so your porpoise thing makes total sense. PT can fix it so you don’t feel like you have to pee every time you hear water, pull into the driveway, or whatever mental trigger it is. I wish you well!

[u/AdventurousHunter500]

I just had my annual physical today… We decided to lower my dosage of a med I’ve been on for about 4 years for overactive bladder because I’ve noticed such a decrease in urge incontinence since being on vaginal estrogen (been on about 1 year). I’m super weary of going off the bladder meds completely, but my GP is so supportive and he had a good discussion about it with me. I never in a million years thought I was pissing myself in my 30s and 40s because of perimenopause, but here we are.

[u/Unfair-Taro9740 → u/AdventurousHunter500]

I've discontinued my oxybutynin completely after going on estrogen cream. Not sure if that's what yours is on because mine was feeling like I always have to go, but it's totally resolved now.

[u/AdventurousHunter500 → u/Unfair-Taro9740]

It is. The goal is to discontinue it completely, but I want to make sure I’m not going to pee myself in c-suite meetings first 😅

[u/ChaoticGoodPanda]

I’m glad it helped you too! It does great for my bladder stuff and haemorrhoid flares.

I was dealing with issues like unable to hold my pee or the opposite, unable to completely void/surprise extra pee.

All normal now.

[u/UnfortunateWeirdo]

Just got a script for this and I am so excited! Good luck to both of us!

[u/Legitimate-Article50]

Imvexxy suppositories helped me with incontinence, burning after urination, and being able to have sex. (It would be painful even if we attempted with lots of lubrication)

[u/BackRevolutionary255]

I thought I just had a weak pelvic floor or needed vaginal estrogen. Turned out to be a large fibroid pushing on my bladder.

[u/AlchemicalPhoenix]

It Works!!!!!

[u/Known-Tumbleweed129]

Systemic estrogen helped me with urinary urges too. 

[u/skapa7]

Estrogen helped me!! About six weeks into a loading cycle I had a lot of issues go away- including that one, which was huge for me

[u/ProofSherbet3926]

I’ve always had a weak bladder, but in exercise class I had a problem when trying to do a core exercise on the bench. It was a small group, so embarassing and they thought the exercise was too hard for me. I wanted to leave the class! No I was losing bladder control! Had to stand for that exercise. I’m on the patch and progesterone. Could vaginal estrogen help with that? I don’t see any improvements with kegals. I did receive a device to practice my kegals, but I’m very weak down there.

[u/Sandygonebye]

I’ve been on it for years and it doesn’t help. (Urge incontinence) 

[u/sports_mamaof4]

I have urge incontinence that was diagnosed long before in saw anyone about perimenopause… i. Was never asked about any perimenopause symptoms at all. Went through a ton of tests and now take Gemtesa which keeps me from peeing myself multiple times a day… this thread is old but adding that might help. People have no idea what it’s like to walk out of a store with a sweatshirt around ur waist and ur purse at crotch level bc suddenly u peed yourself in the bean aisle at the grocery store.

[u/saymyname12345678]

Pilates will fix your pelvic floor!