According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, overactive bladder, also called urge incontinence, is a condition which causes loss of bladder control. Individuals with urinary incontinence may have small leaking of urine when they are physically active or when they cough. Some individuals have a total loss of bladder control, which can cause strong, uncontrollable urges to urinate frequently. Some individuals with overactive bladder feel little to no warning of the need to urinate and may have problems knowing when they will need to use the bathroom. However, proper management of the condition may enable individuals to engage in a routine exercise plan.
Step 1
Engage in low-impact exercise. Lower-impact exercises such as walking or swimming will allow an individual to engage in aerobic training without placing stress on his bladder that frequently occurs during activities such as weightlifting or running. Limiting activities that place a strain on the pelvic muscles can help control urinary leaking.
Step 2
Make lifestyle changes. These include monitoring fluid intake and practicing proper weight management. Individuals can often control bladder issues by limiting fluid intake prior to workouts. Urinating at specific intervals can also help retrain the bladder. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure placed on the bladder.
Step 3
Use incontinence products. Many patients with overactive bladders use incontinence products such as absorbent pads to contain urine leaks. Using an absorbent pad and making scheduled bathroom trips can often limit bladder problems during low-impact exercises.
Step 4
Exercise in close proximity to a bathroom. For example, an individual who plans a 30-minute walking workout may need to use the bathroom before and after. With consistent exercise, individuals will be able to track their bladder activity and gauge how frequently they may need to use the bathroom.
Tips and Warnings
- Consult with primary care doctor or urologist. Discuss specific symptoms and frequency of urination. A doctor will conduct a variety of tests to rule out underlying medical problems, such as urinary tract infections diabetes or vascular disease. If incontinence is a result of stress on the bladder, a doctor can often prescribe a course of treatment to properly control the problem.
