Taboo Subject

I had a similar problem a few years ago. I discovered that using soap/shower gel to wash seemed to be part of the problem so I changed to ph balanced products such as Femfresh. I've been using it ever since and the problem has disappeared. I would still go to GP though and get checked out in case you do have a UTI.

GP will surely help you with your problems. Don't be ashamed about it.

I have nothing more to add BB HildaW is right sometimes we don`t know we are leaking as I said to you have been there went to GP (Practice Nurse is a good route to follow) my problem was urgency and unable to control and a strong smell of urine plus the awful fishy smell. Was referred to consultant and the problem was dealt with. PM me if you want more details

GPS have seen and heard it all! Trust me!

The trouble is (and I know from experience) we do not realise we are leaking a tiny bit as its never really enough to register as a wetness but, urine has such a strong smell you only need a little drop to get wiff! Also once that smell is 'up your nose' its devilishly difficult to get rid.
Chances are that its only us (the dribbler) that can smell it!

bblister....please do not be bashful, embarrassed or upset....its something we all get to a greater or lesser degree....run it past your GP to eliminate something definite....but chances are its just life and we all get used to using a very small pad, extra spritz of perfume or changing a bit more often. Try to relax about it too....being tense is never good....only makes you more aware. All the best!

We've all been there or somewhere near it bblister its probably a very simple problem easily sorted but by a professional. The GP as others have said has heard and seen it all but of course not yours its personal to you. Why not make an appointment to see the practice nurse first- they are usually lovely and very experienced these days and able to prescribe - you might get an appointment sooner than with the GP - don't put up with this, just imagine one of us is coming with you for support as we will be in spirit. Lets know how it goes.

bblister I would certainly go and see your GP and get this sorted as it may just be a UTI but you must have it checked,nothing at all embarrassing about it and the sooner you go the quicker the problem is dealt with,do you have a urology clinic attached to your surgery if you do ask to speak to them they will put you right in no time.

And it is not a "taboo subject"! - we all wee, and sometimes things go wrong. No different to any other illness.

It could be a vaginal infection - that can cause an offensive smell.
But can only be diagnosed by a doctor, after tests etc.

Why not contact the Bladder and Bowel Foundation on line. You will then be anonymous.

Good idea to go to the nurse - that would be an excellent start.

DIY measures are fine if you know what you are dealing with, but really you need a diagnosis first and foremost.

Sounds very much like a UTI bb I was symptomless except for a really strong, fishy odour. I took a sample to the surgery and saw the Nurse Practitioner. She dipped it and prescribed a short course of antibiotics, and told me to see a GP if they didn't fix the problem. After five days all was well again, and no problems since. I will add that you need to drink plenty, I have increased my fluid intake, a good idea, particularly since it's been so warm.

Hi bb any of the above might be true. I'v bought 'balance activ' BV gel. It's for bacterial vaginosis. Neutralising vaginal discomfort and abnormal vaginal odour. They are a little gel pessary that you use at night. You buy them off the shelf in chemists or big supermarkets. You could give it a try in the first instance. If it doesn't get better off to your G.P I can understand your reluctance. At our age ( or at least mine) you hope all that below the pants stuff is over.

I think I might try the Nurse, I really am not sure what they can do, because no leakage, no problem getting to the toilet on time, just the terrible embarrassing wee smell.

Oh, and get a sterile pee pot from the surgery before you go as you'll probably need to take a fresh sample with you [and it will save you having to do one when you're there]. Always an idea to keep a couple at home anyway in case of urine infections.

This is something you need to talk to the doctor about. The solution could be very simple indeed, and it seems a pity to go on tolerating this when you do not have to.

I am married to a GP and believe me, he saw endless similar cases and it is all in a day's work to them. They truly do not bat an eyelid.

Most practices have a female doctor and you could choose to have an appointment with her if you feel more comfortable about that.

Use a Tena Lady pad - I wear them all the time, as occasionally I cannot get to the loo quickly enough because I have a troublesome foot and hip - but only use the pads a a temporary measure while you are waiting for the appointment. Seeing the doc is the only long term answer to your problem. Go girl! - you can do it!

Bacterial infection such as thrush perhaps? We need Dr Pixie from Embarrassing Bodies on here [she could have a weekly slot, and that would be just to sort me out ].

No you see there is no leakage my pants are never wet, its just the smell, that's why it is so confusing.

You might just need to take some tablets bblister. There are several for that sort of problem or, a has been said, it might just be an infection that needs antibiotics. Honestly, doctors don't bat an eyelid at that sort of thing but if you're really embarrassed ask to see a lady doctor, or even phone up and ask for a telephone triage appointment with the practice nurse. And, until it's sorted get some Tena pads. There are always adds for that sort of thing in the toilets at motorway service stations, which shows how common the problem is. Could it be also that you're perhaps not drinking enough because you're scared of your bladder being too full?

This is a very common problem, as others have said.

Is it that you get an urgency to pass water and don't quite make it in time or is there "leakage" afterwards or intermittently? Maybe you have a slight urinary infection. Whatever the cause, I'm sure a visit to your GP is the best way forward.

sparky you say you had the same problem--what was it at what did they give you?

bblister there is nothing to be ashamed of with this problem I myself had to address it some years ago. Get yourself off to your GP believe me they have dealt with much worse than this. It could be a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) and a course of antibiotics could clear it up or you can be referred to a specialist in urinology - Please don`t do nothing as I always say "gird your loins" and do something about it

Your GP will have seen it/heard patients complaining about it many times before. They really should be your first port of call.

take the plunge and make an appointment!

Maybe a weak pelvic floor causing your bladder to leak a little. This is incredibly common. If you don't believe me go and look in Boots and see how many Tena Lady pads (and similar) are for sale. Or the supermarket.
Do you know how to do pelvic floor exercises? Lots of women learn them at antenatal but we need to do them for the rest of our lives.

Don't be too embarrassed to go to your GP. They are used to all our problems. It's quite important to get this checked out, I think.
Good luck.