Although it is normal for sweat to leak from your pores while running, it is not normal for urine to leak from your bladder. However, this condition affects some runners, especially women. The condition, known as urinary incontinence, is characterized by an uncontrollable leakage of urine. Although it can occur in a variety of circumstances, urinary incontinence is commonly related to running and exercise.
Identification
As explained by the Mayo Clinic, urinary incontinence refers to an "unintentional loss of urine." The four main types of urinary incontinence include stress, urge, overflow and mixed incontinence. Incontinence that occurs with running or exercise can be categorized as stress incontinence, which is triggered by physical movements that put pressure on the bladder. While running, a person with stress incontinence experiences urine leakage as stress is applied to the bladder.
Causes
The ultimate cause of stress incontinence is weakness of the muscles that surround the bladder or urethra. As the bladder fills with urine, the muscles at the end of the urethra remain contracted, holding the urine inside the body. With stress incontinence, these weakened muscles allow urine to flow out of the body while the body is in motion, such as while running. The primary causes of weakened bladder and pelvic muscles include childbirth and prostate surgery. Additional contributing factors include obesity, diabetes, use of specific medications and urinary tract infections.
Treatments
The most typical treatments for stress incontinence include behavioral therapies, which attempt to reduce or eliminate incontinence episodes while running. When done regularly, Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles surrounding the urethra. Other possible remedies include making frequent trips to the toilet and timing your fluid consumption around physical activities. In some cases, certain devices might be inserted into the vagina or urethra to temporarily stop the flow of urine. Serious cases of stress incontinence might also be treated with surgery, which can improve the pelvic muscles.
Coping
Stress incontinence can be extremely embarrassing for those who suffer from it. Runners with stress incontinence should not feel compelled to run on a treadmill in their home. Instead, use the restroom before departing on a run and wear protective incontinence pads to catch urine leakage. For extra protection, bring additional supplies and a change of clothes with you when running at a gym or outdoor track. If necessary, support groups are available. For example, the National Association for Continence (NAFC) is "dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with incontinence, voiding dysfunction, and related pelvic floor disorders," according to their website.
Care
Sufferers of stress urinary incontinence should understand the risks associated with the condition. When left on the skin, urine causes the skin to become irritated and break down. This irritation commonly leads to a rash, open sores and significant pain. After an episode of urinary leakage, the area should be thoroughly cleaned and dried.
