Is this ‘leaking’ permanent?

Q:

I’m 58. I’ve recently noticed that when I urinate, instead of a straight stream, some urine sprays onto my inner thigh. What’s going on and can I make it stop?

A:

Your pelvic floor muscles need both strength and flexibility to function optimally, but it sounds like yours may be tight and irritated. While weak muscles can lead to incontinence, overworked pelvic floor muscles (often caused by unconscious muscle clenching triggered by everyday stress) can be just as problematic, getting in the way of the muscle relaxation necessary for a steady urine stream.

I can suggest some simple exercises designed to relax your pelvic floor. First, try lying on your back and bringing your knees to your chest, then opening your knees—reaching through to grab toward your ankles or shins. In this position, take long, deep breaths, focusing your breath into your abdomen and pelvis. Then, when you’re sitting watching TV, driving in your car or lying in bed, try making this a habit: Take deep breaths and let go of your pelvic floor muscles—that same feeling as when you sit on the toilet and relax before you urinate. (Don’t worry— you won’t leak urine while doing this.) Let your chest, rib cage, belly and pelvic floor muscles expand as you inhale, then exhale gently. Repeat this slow breathing for 2 to 3 breaths.

If you don’t notice a difference after a month of making these changes, check in with your healthcare provider for a pelvic exam to rule out another cause, like pelvic organ prolapse or a urethral caruncle—a benign growth that’s common in postmenopausal women. If all checks out, she can refer you to a pelvic floor physical therapist who will be able to help you get back on track.