Kegel question for women

scoobyjude · Post by **scoobyjude** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 7:03 pm

Ok, I know this topic is a little unpleasant but I am currently experiencing a lovely UTI and it reminded me to ask this question. In 2004 I had a very bad exacerbation which left me with very little bladder control or bladder capacity. At the time I didn't go on medication for it and eventually it got better but it has never been the same. I was wondering if anyone has ever used a kegel exerciser to help increase bladder control and if it has helped.

Muu · Post by **Muu** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 3:17 pm

I saw someone recently in respect of my overactive bladder which was becoming a bit of a nuisance - I shall spare you the details! I was given some medication that has made an enormous difference but was also advised that regular kegel exercises would be of benefit. Personally i feel they are definitely worth doing.
muu

Post by **jimmylegs** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 5:46 pm

haven't tried it scoob, but i can tell you in the past i suffered recurring UTIs with repeated courses of abx w/ painkillers.
after more than a year someone told me to go to the naturopath who recommended acidophilus, which at the time i had never heard of. also, a tea made with the leaves of uva ursi (bearberry) morning and night.
second day in, i was fixed. any time i've had the sneaking suspicion of a problem since, acidophilus fixed with no troubles.
i don't know if that would do anything for bladder control, but being me i just google scholar'ed on the topic of incontinence and muscle nutrition...
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/ab ... .tb10183.x
(good ol milk of magnesia)

scoobyjude · Post by **scoobyjude** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 2:29 pm

Thanks both of you. I have some new things to look into. Can't hurt I'm sure and maybe I'll be able to live a little more comfortably. Thanks again

AllyB · Post by **AllyB** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 3:03 pm

Hi Scooby

I take a sachet of Urizone every month (urinary antiseptic, not antibiotic) to prevent UTI's and a glass of citrosoda every night, to alkalise the urine. I had bladder cancer 10 years ago, and had surgery and 6 months of chemo, so I am very prone to UTI's, plus I have urinary retention because of the ms...I have not had a UTI since I started this regime. Frequent UTI's for me could lead to a recurrence of the cancer, so I am especially careful.

As an ex-midwife, kegal excersises are very effective for strengthening pelvic floor muscles - weakness here caused by pregnancy can lead to incontinence, particularly stress incontinence.
However, I am not sure if they are effective for strengthening pelvic floor muscles that are weak due to nerve damage (ms) - but it can't hurt to try! You have to be consistent and persistent - every day, twice a day, for a few months before you see a difference, but after 2 babies, huge episiotomies and forceps deliveries, I can personally testify to their effectiveness.
Also, there are medications, and devices that can be used to control incontinence that is caused by a neurogenic bladder - chat to a Urologist, again, it can't hurt to try, and it might make your life much more comfortable.
Take care & I hopethings improve for you.

scoobyjude · Post by **scoobyjude** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 3:27 pm

Thank for all the info Ally. Things are honestly not that bad. My UTI is almost cleared up and this is the first one I've had in a long time. My bladder incontinence is also very minor. My bladder control is just not what it used to be. Thanks for the help

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 5:26 pm

Hi all.
There is a new medical gadget- a pacemaker for the bladder of sorts. My dad had one put in after damage from chemo. His mentor from the company said they use them quite often in MS patients and with good results. If anyone wants info on this, I'll ask Dad for the name of it and the company.