Medical Questions » Kidneys and Bladder Questions » Question No. 557
| Question: | I am 73 and incontinent. Every time I move I wet my panties and I wet my bed at night. It is extremely embarrassing and I need help. |
| Answer: | As you age, and with the trauma of childbirth, the muscles on the floor of your pelvis become stretched and slack. It is these muscles that control the outflow of urine from the bladder.
In younger women, an operation to tighten these muscles and reconstruct the bladder opening can give enormous relief. Older women often do not want the discomfort of a moderately major operation, or may not be well enough for the procedure. They can be helped by a special device that is inserted into the vagina. These ring pessaries are fitted by a gynaecologist, and remain in place for many months. They act to stretch the vagina, and therefore tension the muscles around the bladder opening to give you control of your water works again. I suggest you discuss this matter further with your own doctor.
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