Bladder Control Problem

Hi, E.. Yes, this is common. Yes Kegels will help. If you need help doing your Kegels, use Ben-WA balls or Smart balls. I'm a home party consultant for For Your Pleasure, so not only do I bring up the balls to let the women know it will strengthen their vaginal muscles for better orgasms, I also mention for the women with kids or who maybe have bladder control issues anyway that these will also help strengthen the pelvic muscles to precent leakage. The Ben-WA balls are pretty small but weighted. The Smart balls are bigger and have a loop. Women are always afraid either set of balls will get stuck. With the Smart balls, you relax and pull on the loop. With the Ben-WA balls, you just relax and squat. The benefit of using either set of balls is you will know you're toning your pelvic muscles because you have to squeeze to keep the balls in. If you're not squeezing hard enough or completely relax, they'll fall out, especially the Ben-WA balls because they're about the size of a dime. With all this in mind, I would suggest starting with Smart Balls (gives you peace of mind regarding taking them out as well as works up the toning). Once you've mastered those, you can move to the Ben-WA balls. If you like, just email me back and I can give you my web address. You can look up all the different balls and prices and even compare with other stores if you like. Using balls are the best way to tighten your muscles and help prevent leaks. Good luck!

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Hi, I teach a fantastic fitness and educational program that is for new moms and older women with bladder control problems. We have done several research studies that show how greatly improved the women's lives are that take our class. We are in Chicago and Denver, and I believe there are plans for further expansion. If you want to learn more about the program, check out the website: www.totalcontrolprogram.com.

Not only do I teach the program and witness miraculous changes in the women throughout the 11 week course, but I had the same problem you have after the birth of my son. The Total Control program was not yet born, so my Dr. referred me to a pelvic physical therapist. I was in physical therapy for about 9 months, but the problem was resolved through therapy. Do not accept the view "that sometimes happens". You can greatly improve your symptoms without surgery and being where you were once myself, I would highly recommend strenthening the pelvic floor muscles before another pregnancy. One thing that is frustrating to many women is that Drs. tell you to "do Kegels" yet they don't tell you the proper way to do them. There is a right way and a wrong way to work those muscles for optimal functioning. Check out the website and if there isn't a program in your area, press your Dr. to refer you to a pelvic physical therapist. Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful

those exercises do work, but sometime not fully. i still have the same problem, not as bad though, as i did after the birth of my last kid. so, i hope you find what works for you, but for now, keep up with Kegel, it does help.

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I see that many people have already suggested seeing a physical therapist who specializes in women's health issues. That's exactly what I would recommend. There is a really good one at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. She has also developed an exercise device specifically targeted to this problem - check it out at www.pelvicsolutions.com. If you live in the area, she also conducts classes using this device at the Community Center.

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I too had the same problem, after my 2nd & was very concerned when I found out 9mos. later that I was about to have a 3rd. I have found that it just seemed to take a little more time than I was comfortable with. I have continued to do kegels, and I try to empty my bladder regularly, instead of wainting until I feel the need/have the time to go. To help me thru my earlier incontinent period I used panty liners (which worked for me, since it was more of a dribble). all seems good now, though I have to admit to being worried what will happen as I age. Good luck & keep kegeling.

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I'm so sorry to hear that. I, after my first child started have bladder issues. Along with bladder issues, I began to have other issues as well. I went to the doctor quite a few times, until they finally decided to send me to a neurologist. I was given an MRI, & it turns out, they diagnosed me with Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) I'm not trying to scare you in any way, I just want you to be aware that bladder control is one of the symptoms. If you are not having any other issues, then that probably is not it. Just bring it up to your doctor & see what they say.

God bless,
A concerned mother

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E.:
There are a lot of local physical therapists who specialize in women's health issues. I have a co-worker who I would highly recommend. Let me know if you are interested.
C. S

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I don't know about how to prevent or stop the problem, but my mother-in-law has a very similar problem and she always wears panty liners and has kind of learned to live with that. The panty liners are key so that you don't have to keep changing underwear and also it feels more comfortable and dry when the accidents do happen.

Good luck finding a solution!
R.

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I have this problem and i think it comes with age and its a weekness in your body, everyone has certain weeknesess, and this could be one area, it happens when i laugh to hard, or sneenze to hard, and when i have to urinate, its like omg i gotta go,its like as soon as i charge to the bathroom it knows ive seen the toilet its almost coming out,

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I am pregnant with my 3rd child and all I can say is it doesn't get any better. My grandmother had a very pricey and painful procedure done a few months back for this problem and it didn't solve it. I sometimes wear a panty liner when I go out and I always remember to cross my legs when I sneeze...hehe Good luck!

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I have four little ones and I have to say that I had that problem after my first pregnancy and I still have that problem. But, it hasn't gotten worse with each kid. Good luck to you!

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I know this is emabarrassing- but verfy common from what I understand! I am pregant with my third and it has gotten so bad that I wear pantyliners everyday just in case (and am with you on the extra clothes for me in the diaper bag!) I had a friend a while back whose husband worked for a drug company and I vaguely remember her mentioning that there are drugs to help with the problem. I am not sure of any details, but a doctor should know. If you aren't satisifed with how your docotr is responding to your concern (is the OB/GYN a man per chance?) then it may be an issue that needs a second opinion. There is help out there! I believe there is surgery available, but I am pretty sure that would be considered a last resort.
Good luck and remember that there are many of us out there just like you with this big "secret"!

1 mom found this helpful

Happened to me too after my first one. Still happens after my 2nd one- but it didn't get worse. Actually after my first daughter was about 2 years old it wasn't as bad as it had been. It will probably subside. Don't worry!

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Hi E.,

I know what you're talking about...I have a 2 and a half year old girl and a month old son...My problem started during my first pregnancy and got really bad during both pregnancies....I went to a urogynecologist at Northwestern that specializes in this problem...I got a pessary and now am planning on having something permanently done since I am finished with having babies....The pessary is something you can use now and during your pregnancy....The doctor's name is Dr. Hammer at Northwestern....
Good Luck,
M.

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I have this problem too, tho only if I have been "holding it" for too long! I'm sorry to hear your troubles.
I'm a huge fan of homeopathic medicines which are inexpensive, very safe to take while pg or breastfeeding and have no side effects. They can also be taken w/ any other prescriptions, if you have any, w/o any drug interaction. (I and my kids see a professional homeopath in Naperville for both chronic and acute (temp) illness -- DS, 3yo, has eczema and that's how we were introduced to homeopathy.)

I just did a google and found this combination remedy that you could try. If it does not work, then it is no harm and no foul, you're only out a couple buck. If that ends up being the case, you should see a professional homeopath (mine is at www.dupagehomeopathic.com) for treatment. Sometimes you just need to get a stronger dose and a homeopath can figure out the right remedy for you....
----------------------------------------------------
BLADDER CONTROL
A common concern for Senior Citizens is bladder control. Homeopathy can provide support without causing side effects like regular medications. Customers trying our Uri Control often find improvement within days. They feel less urgency and can go out to do errands without a problem.
Loss of urine from sneezing or coughing is relieved. For incontinence, use 1 tablet 3 times a day for 1-2 months, less frequent as improvement is made. Only $10.99 for a month supply Uri Control. Purchase 2 months supply for $2 off.
Just received 11-6-04, this email from Dara, "I am amazed how well the URI-Control works for my spasming bladder. I could not use Detrol as it made me cough so I'd have to break the pills in half and even then it really left me with dry mouth.
URI-Control does not leave me with any side effects."
------------------------------------------
(this is the link to the article: http://www.elixirs.com/NEWSLETTER/aging.cfm

While you're not in the "aging" category, it still addresses the specific symptoms you're experiencing. Other sites I quickly read indicate that this is not permanet damage, it's just "outta whack" and homeopathy can help it.

Best of luck!!!

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I would do two things:
1. See a physical therapist who specializes in women's health issues. They exist, your OB/GYN can refer you to one, and they can help tremendously by giving you specific exercises to help with this.
2. Ask for a uro-gyn specialist referral. This is a gynecologist who specializes in this sort of thing and has an extra 1-2 years of special training in this area. Again - can be very helpful. Probably will be a surgical correction though, so wait until after you're done being pregnant.
I would probably try the PT option first since that's less impactful.
Don't worry - you are NOT alone! But I would try and address this before you get preg with #2 because having a heavy baby sitting on your bladder doesn't help things in this department ;)

1 mom found this helpful

I had twins naturally and I still experience issues of this nature especially when coughing or sneezing. Thankfully, it has gotten a LOT better (19 months old). I have heard kegel helps but quite honestly, I really don't remember to do any. As far as it getting worse with 2nd pregnancy, I am not familiar. But in all honestly, I really started noticing it getting a lot better after my kids turned 1.

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My mother had to start wearing a pad or two at times after she had children. She's in her 60's and still does. My aunt elected to have surgery to repair hers and doesn't have as many problems. It is a problem that many women experience after childbirth and there isn't too much they can do outside of surgery.

Not that I've ever heard anyway. But don't feel alone, many women experience the same thing.

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It's not embarrassing at all. I have the same problem. I have had 2 kids and it didn't get worse. I wear pantyliners everyday. no biggie.

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I suggest you have your ob/gyn refer you to a physical therapist who specializes in women's health. I know there are PTs who specialize in this who work for the Center for Spine, Sports, and Occupational Rehabilitation (CSSOR), which is part of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC). There are also PTs at RIC. Sometimes Kegels aren't actually performed correctly or are not performed at the appropriate duration/frequency, or sometimes there are other barriers that a PT can assess. I am a PT myself and have practiced a little bit in this area. Some ob/gyns aren't as up to date in their knowledge of this area, but the RIC name carries some weight with them. Good luck!

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Don't listen to your OBGYN!!! It's not normal to have it keep happening. Go see a Physical therapist who specializes in women's health. They can teach you exercises and tricks. There are further tools they have at their disposal besides Kegel's. Incontinence at any age is not normal and surgery can often be avoided with PT. (I'm obviously a PT and feel strongly about this!) Have your primary care write you a PT prescription. Let me know if you would like some referrals. I know PT's who specialize in this area. Good luck.

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Ok, I quickly scanned all the previous response just to make sure I wasn't repeating anything. In addition to everything that's been listed, what helped me maintain/ improve my bladder control was starting and stopping and then starting again whenever I had to pee. It might not be easy at first because when you gotta go, you gotta go but I found that this one exercise helped a great deal and I don't have leaks.

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Hi E.. I had the same thing happen to me and my son is now 14 months old. I asked my OB and he said about the same thing, but I wanted more so he suggested that I go to Illinois Urogynecology in Oak Lawn. I know that they have other offices as well! Here is the web-site http://www.iultd.org/ The Dr. that I saw recommended physical therapy to focus on the pelvic floor muscles. She did say that it would be a good idea to get things stronger before you give birth again. They called the problem Stress Urinary Incontinence. Hope this helps!! L.

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I don't really have any advice, but don't be embarrassed. It really does happen to a lot of women. Try to go to the bathroom often so your bladder isn't full and get something like Poise pads to catch leaks.

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Hi E.,
I developed urinary incontinence (sp?) after my daughter was born.
Ask your Dr. if she can recommend a specialist. They will test you for it and can also give you a medication that will assist you. They will also advise against any kind of surgery to fix it if that is indeed what you have until you are done having kids.

For now, I would make a trip to the store for the Poise panty liners. They work and are smaller then you think.

Don't give up on fixing this, because it is treatable.

Good luck.

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I just got over this problem and our son just turned 2. I know how you feel. The kegels did end up doing the job, you just have to be consistant with them. You have to make sure your doing them right too. There are a lot of muscles down there and if they are that weak it's hard to tell where they are. I found out by trying to stop the urine flow. Once you stop it, remember what muscles your feeling and use those during the kegels. I still do mine, 20 sets in the morning, 20 sets in the afternoon, and 20 sets at night. It does work.

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I have exactly the same thing and boy do I hate it. My fertility doc says there are quite a few options. I want to have a second child and so currently am thinking of waiting until later but I think some of the options are physical therapy - i saw a leaflet in my doc's office for the rehab institute of chicago and this problem. I know one woman who had surgery for that issue. My prob is getting somewhat better

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E.,

I saw your post this morning & just had to respond. This is something that I've had so much trouble with too. You're right to think it will get worse with every baby (we have 3 & it has gotten worse with each vaginal delivery). I literally have to stop & cross my legs when I feel a sneeze coming on. I used to jog/run & can't do that anymore.... I'd have to wear a diaper! It's horrible & I hate it.

BUT - here's the good news. I just found a new OB (in Barrington) who is very up on this & has send me to PT (covered by our insurance). There are PT's now what actually specialize in this.... believe it or not!

I've been working with her for about a month now & have seen significant improvement!!! I thought I was going to have to go in & have bladder supspention surgery (which is what they do for really bad cases of this) at some point - which I did not want to do. If you're in my area - I'd be happy to recommend my OB - she's awesome & very up on current woman's issues (much more than my old OB).

I would think PT between babies would help you - although you may bave to go back & re-strengthen muscles after your next one too. Either way - who cares as long as you can fix it now or later!

Don't be embarrased. I think if more woman talked about this - more OB's would focus on some methods to help. I have several girlfriends who have complained about the same issue.

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I'm sorry, but I do not have any advice for you. I just wanted you to know that you are not alone! I have a daughter that just turned 1 and I have the same problems! I just use little panty liners. Have you tried them?

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HI - This problem is VERY common in women. I would suggest getting Julie Tupler's book, "Lose Your Mummy Tummy" or "Maternal Fitness"- this problem is addressed extensively in there.

If you prefer to learn in a fitness class setting, I am a personal trainer and am specialized in the Tupler technique. I teach with a physical therapist who are specializes in this technique. We teach at the HF Park District and the Orland Park Sportsplex. We teach the Tupler technique specifically.

We are the only ones in the entire Chicago area that teach these techniques and methods. The technique we teach utilizes both the fast twitch AND the slow twitch muscles of the pelvic floor. Not only will strengthening this area help with the incontincence, it will also help with better sex, and help prevent LOTS of the problems with any subsequent pregnancies. Be careful of the surgery option, as it does not get to the root of the problem (weakened pelvic floor muscles).

OB GYNs aren't trained to teach you about making the pelvic floor stronger or about bringing together the split stomach muscles you get from being pregnant (that don't come back together on their own). If fact, doing certain exercises can worsen these...making a women less strong and vulnerable going into a 2nd pregnancy. If you have any questions I am happy to help.

B. Wayne

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Hi E.,

Your "problem" is extremely common! Many many many women have this issue - I can't tell you how many of my friends (myself included) have or have had your same situation. Embarassing at times, yes...but after childbirth who has any modesty left? There is a very simple surgical proceedure that can repair the issue. I would recommend seeing a Urogynecologyst for a consult. They will probably tell you to wait until you are done having kids before you can have surgery. There is testing to determine the best fix/to determine if you're a good candidate. I had the proceedure done last fall and couldn't believe what an instant fix it was. I had a more serious surgery going on and had them throw that in while they were "in there" - ha! My girlfriend just had the proceedure done a couple months ago and has thanked me profoundly - she'd been peeing on herself for 10 years and now we laugh that we "pee like 12 year olds again!"

Education is you best friend right now. See a Uro-gyne and figure out what you can do between now and being done having kids - Kegels didn't work for me and sounds like they didn't for you either. There are ways to help you stop peeing on yourself before you can have the surgery done. Email me if you want more info. I LOVED my surgeon - let me know if you want his info. My girlfriend used the same guy and gives him great reviews as well.

Good luck!

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Go see a urogynecologist (Dr. George at Illinois Masonic is one, or you could look at a hospital website and search for that specialty). He/She can help you, give you some idea if it will go away or if you have a more severe problem. There is a foundation in Chicago that deals with women's incontinence, too, though I am not sure what the name is, they sponsor things like workshops and talks.

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Hi there! I had the same problem as well, after my first and my second. But, trust me, the kegels REALLY work. I was so mad at my dr when he told me it's normal,lol. I just wanted an immediate fix,haha. But, anyway, it will pass with time. Do your kegels and I always made sure I wore good pads, to prevent that horrible embarassment of peeing my pants in public, if I happened to sneeze or cough....that happened to me too. It was horrible!! I hated going anywhere for fear of that happening,lol. Anyway, hope this helps! :-)

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I would talk to a different doctor. Often after pregnancy the muscles are relaxed and this occurs. There are drugs that help the bladder do its job. This is probably more common than most women talk about. I would try doing an online search for yoga exercises or talk to a yogi. There are several small yoga gyms in the area.

Here's a link to yoga gyms near Indy. Perhaps talking to one of them will help.
http://educatelink.localwin.com/Yoga/Indiana.html

-S.

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There are phy. therapist who can help your learn the correct exercises also google it and you can find exercises on line. I do not remember the web site I used but the exercises have help a lot!! The exercises are different then the kegal exercises that is why they are not helping. I was to the point where I was doing more then leaking and now I only have problems around my period. I figure it must be hormone related. I was told to thank my 10lb baby for this problem. The larger the baby the more likely it is to happen.

Good Luck and remember you are not alone!

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Hello. I wanted to let you know that your not alone. I had 4 children in 3 1/2 years. No twins. Yes, "little leaks" do happen from having children, however, I ended up having surgery to correct it. I can't remember what it was called, but they went in and put a sling to pull the bladder up. This corrected the problem. I tried the Kegel exercises, but it didn't help. I actually went to a urologist, because while I was out running, I honestly peed my pants. I couldn't stop myself. It was awful. Thankfully, I was with my best friend, and I could just laugh. I hope that this helps. I am not suggesting you to have surgery, but I wouldn't let a doctor say "Yep, that happens." Good luck.
T.
By the way, my children are only 4-8 years. So I just recently had the surgery. If that helps.

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I'd definitely suggest seeing a physical therapist to try to fix the problem without surgery first. For future births, educate yourself on the effects of medical interventions - specifically episiotomy, epidurals, and catheters. OBs most likely won't tell you all the dirty little secrets/side effects, so find out for yourself!

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Yes there is answers! And it is more than just doing your daily Kegels (sounds like bagel) I would recommend a pelvic floor PT (physical therapist) Judy Florendo in Chicago (in the River North area) is the top pelvic floor PT in the area. If you do not live in the area, you can contact her and she will recommend one for you near you.

There is also a fitness program called Total Control(TM) www.totalcontrolprogram.com this program was created by a woman who like you was told, just to go do Kegels and that was it. Classes are primarily held at Northwestern, but there are other locations in the Chicago-area. You can also log onto www.womenshealthfoundation.org to find out more about how the program was created. The program was also aired two weeks ago on In The Loop and a whole segment was done on these issues. If you do go on to get more info, tell Molly Kirk I sent you! Good Luck!!

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Like the previous poster stated, you should wait until you're done having kids to have the problem corrected surgically (otherwise it will just happen again). I had it done in September (TVT sling) and I am beyond delighted with the results. I joke and say that I can now drink an entire litre of pop and then jump on a trampoline, and I won't leak a drop!!!

A urogynecologist is the person that will perform the surgery, but your gyney can diagnose your problem (called a cystocele) and then give you a referral to a urogynecologist.

Sometimes the urogynecologist will suggest using a pessary, so unless you want to deal w/those for the rest of your life (yuck, yuck, double-yuck), push for the TVT sling.

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I have this same problem. I have friends who went through it too. Your doctor should be sending you to physical therapy. Sounds silly, but there are specific exercises to help tighten up the pelvic floor.

Yes, it is lovely isn't it. My son is eight months and I was having leak issues every time I lifted the shovel full of snow when I was trying to shovel the driveway. Yuck.

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First of all, before you try to have another child, I would recommend finding a new OB or midwife who won't ignore your concerns...

Your OB is right that kegel exercises can be helpful. If that hasn't worked, there are other options. Physical therapy is one option- don't worry, your pants stay on:) You can work with a trainer on ways of strengthening your muscles. They have little weights that you can use (internally) to strengthen as well. Your (new!) doctor or midwife can write you a referral and it should be covered by insurance.

There are also surgical options, but it certainly doesn't sound like your condition is serious enough for surgery.

There are other things such as a fistula that can cause leaking but that's not very likely the cause here, because usually your urine would be uncontrollable in that case.

Also, for future reference: I don't know if you had an episiotomy with your birth, but that contributes to this problem. If you had an epidural with your delivery there is evidence that it can contribute to short term urine problems. So those might be two things to avoid in the future once you have this problem fixed.

Good luck! I had this issue right after my daughter was born but it did get better and I did not have the problem with my second child.

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Oh boy, that does happen. Last year I started running and experienced the same thing. My son was four years old. My doctor told me to get on the exercise machine where you can push/extend the legs out. I happened to have one at home and they really worked. I was able to do jumping jacks with no problems. If you do not have an exercise machine, lay on your back on the floor with your legs bent at chair level and push your legs into the wall or sturdy bench. Do as many as you can until you can build up doing a set of ten - three times. This too will pass, good luck.

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I know how you are feeling...Iam 32 and had a partial hystroecomy(sp) and because of that my bladder has fallen. This also happens after giving birth. I dont think it will get worse after another child, but im not 100% sure on that. Here is what you can do which I do. Go and get some of those thin panty liners, they do work and that way you dont have to change your clothes or be afraid to go out anywhere....Good Luck

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