According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a leaky bladder during exercise is a common occurrence for men and women of all ages, though the problem may be more prevalent for women. There are many ways to prevent a leaky bladder during exercise, including pelvic floor exercises and timed urination. If these treatments fail, surgery may be required.
Leaky Bladder Causes
The bladder works in conjunction with hormones, nerves and muscles. When something is wrong with one of these functions, then it may cause bladder problems. For example, the sphincter muscles control the flow of urine. When your sphincter muscles are weak, the sudden movement and pressure that comes from exercise may cause your bladder to leak. Weak pelvic floor muscles may not support the bladder well, which may also cause your bladder to leak.
Illness, Injury and Infection
Bladder control problems may also be caused by certain kinds of medication and medical conditions including an overactive bladder. Certain kinds of medication, such as those that treat anxiety, may also relax your bladder muscles. A relaxed bladder may not be able to let the brain know that it's full, thus resulting in bladder leakage. Other medical conditions that may affect the bladder's ability to communicate with the brain include diabetes and multiple sclerosis as well as injuries such as nerve damage or a herniated disc. A urinary tract infection may cause the bladder to release urine unexpectedly as well.
Excess Weight
Not only is excess weight bad for your health, it is also bad for your bladder. Too much weight may place extra pressure on your bladder, which may cause it to leak during exercise. According to a study in the "New England Journal of Medicine," overweight or obese women who lost 8 percent of their weight or more experienced 50 percent less bladder problems. Even losing a small amount of weight may help reduce the times you experience a leaky bladder.
Solutions
Avoid caffeinated beverages before you exercise, as this may increase your risk of bladder leakage. Perform pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, as well as keep a journal of when you urinate, accidental or not. See if you notice a pattern and use the bathroom before the noted times. Then, try to increase the time in between bathroom breaks by waiting 10 minutes or so before using the restroom. With practice, you may be able to increase the time in between bathroom breaks by two to three hours. If you try these solutions and still experience a leaky bladder during exercise, seek medical care.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I Need to Know About Bladder Control for Women
- New England Journal of Medicine: Weight Loss to Prevent Urinary Incontinence in Overweight and Obese Women; Leslee Subak et. al.; January 29, 2009
- Better Medicine: Seek Help for a Leaky Bladder
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