Poise^® Ask an Expert gives you the opportunity to submit a question to our panel of qualified continence nurses regarding your bladder weakness issues and worries.

Dr. Peter Ng is a consultant urological surgeon in private practice who has been actively involved in health education in the community for the past decade. He has appeared on radio and TV programs as well as numerous public forums. He is the President of the Continence Foundation of Singapore and the Former Secretary of the Singaporen Urological Association

You can also browse through other women’s already answered questions.

Recent Young Women Question and Answer

• Q: Why can't i hold on and sometimes not make it? The last couple of weeks I have been running to the toilet and sometime when I think I can hold on i wet myself. Other days it will not happen. Asked by Kristy

  A: Dear Kristy, There are many causes of incontinence including when you are suffering from a urinary tract infection or weakened pelvic floor muscles. If the cause of the incontinence is due to an infection, typically once this has been treated, the incontinence will be cured. You can also ensure you are strengthening your pelvic floor muscles by practising pelvic floor exercises. Find out more about exercises for your pelvic floor here: http://www.poise.com.sg/en/bladder-control/pelvic-floor-exercise/

• Q: How do you do pelvic floor exercises? Asked by Janet

  A: Dear Janet, On the Poise website, we have lots of information about the pelvic floor muscle and how to do pelvic floor exercises including an interactive guide. For more information, visit: http://www.poise.com.sg/en/bladder-control/pelvic-floor-exercise/

Recent Pregnancy Question and Answer

• Q: I am a mother of 2 and leaking drops - can I have more children? I am 28 and a mother to a 3 year old and a 16 month old. I have a little issue with leaking drops when my bladder is over full or when I am coughing or laughing. I recently started pelvic floor exercises and I would like to have more children, is it possible? Asked by Lorna

  A: The ability to have more children is not affected by weak pelvic floor muscles, so there is no need to worry! Leaking drops is caused mainly by weak pelvic floor muscles, and by doing your pelvic floor exercises regularly, you are strengthening these muscles which should lessen the leakage that you are experiencing.

• See the Pelvic Floor Exercises in the Poise website under “Regain bladder control” to ensure you are doing them correctly, or visit: http://www.poise.com.sg/en/bladder-control/pelvic-floor-exercise/

Recent Mothers Question and Answer

• Q: I suffer from light urinary leakage even though I have had surgery years ago to try to strengthen the bladder area as I had a prolapse. I did not have the best surgeon and the situation was made worse not better.

  I also have a bleeding disorder which does not help the problem. I am still bleeding and there is nothing the Doctors can do because of the medical situation, other women would be able to have the uterus removed but the doctors state that is impossible for me, I will have bleeding problems for the rest of my life. So therefore I need a pad that helps with the bladder problem as well as a bleeding problem, which pad do you recommend for my circumstances? Asked by Murna

  A: Dear Murna, Using a product such as Poise pads would be perfect for your situation since Poise pads are designed for light urinary leakage but can also be used for menstrual protection such as the bleeding you mentioned. Poise pads have a much higher absorbent capacity than other feminine hygiene/menstrual only brands. You haven't mentioned what type of light urinary leakage you suffer from but for a few drops here and there, I would recommend a Poise liner. If it is a little more or you prefer more security in your product, I would suggest the Poise Slim pad.

  Try our product selector tool to help you decide: http://www.poise.com.sg/select-product/. You can also request a free s Q: I suffer from light urinary leakage even though I have had surgery years ago to try to strengthen the bladder area as I had a prolapse. I did not have the best surgeon and the situation was made worse not better.

• Q: I would like a panty liner that helps with the odour of incontinence - which one should I get? Asked by Yvonne

  A: Dear Yvonne, The Poise liners range including Poise regular liners and Poise Long Liners, all contain a super absorbent core that helps to prevent odour. It is important to choose a liner that is specifically made for light urinary leakage as these liners are two to three times more absorbent than sanitary liners and as a result, will better control odours.

Recent Natural Changes Question and Answer

• Q: I suffered a kidney infection and now I seem to have to go all the time even having accidents. What can i do as it has me housebound? Asked by Lynette

  A: Dear Lynette, I would recommend that you speak to your doctor to ensure the infection is treated and completely cleared up. On many occasions once the infection has been treated, any bladder weakness experienced should be cured. If your accidents tend to be happening more when you cough or sneeze, it may indicate that you need to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Visit: http://www.poise.com.sg/en/bladder-control/pelvic-floor-exercise/ for tips.

  In the meantime, by using products like Poise, you can have the confidence to get out and about knowing that you are protected from any accidents. Poise products are specifically designed the faster flow of light urinary leakage and are two to three times more absorbent than sanitary product equivalents. Also ensure you drink plenty of water even if that may seem counter-intuitive to your needing to go to the toilet frequently. Drinking less water will not actually help with any light urinary leakage condition.

• Q: Does drinking less water help with incontinence? Asked by Robyn

  A: Hi Robyn, Many people withhold their fluid intake hoping that it will help with their incontinence. In fact, this can often have the opposite effect. The bladder is a muscle and when there is less urine to store, it is unable to tone itself up and therefore, is unable to hold much urine capacity. Therefore, it is important to consumer around 6 to 8 glasses of water a day to maintain bladder capacity and prevent dehydration.

  There are some types of fluids that you should avoid as these are bladder irritants. This includes drinks containing caffeine like tea or coffee, soft drinks (especially Coke) and chocolate drinks. Alcohol is also a diuretic and should be avoided. Citrus juices should be minimised to one glass in the morning as juices can irritate the bladder.