Yet another embarrassing problem.

In the past 6-9 months I have been struggling with urinary incontinence. As an example, I will be fine, not even have an urge to go to the bathroom, and then "whoosh" urine is leaking out of me. I am doing (and have regularly done) kegel exercises when I urinate and find that many times - especially in the first half of my stream - I cannot stop the flow at all. It is as though I am not doing anything. Then other times I can stop the flow.

I am 41 years old and have had peri-menopausal symptoms since about October 2007 but haven't had a period since February 2008.

Obviously, the problem is embarrassing and frustrating. I don't know what to do. I know that if I go to my doctor she will want to use some type of pharmacologic intervention. I cannot at all afford right now to see the homeopathic/osteopathic physicians that eliminated all my food allergies.

I am very hesitant to start any off-the-cuff herbal formulations either.

Have any other women dealt with this as they have gotten older? Anyone have any ideas?

Thank you.

Patty