Uniquely Female Issues of Bladder Control While Running.

It began happening shortly after I had given birth to my third baby. I was running along and felt like I had a full bladder. The trouble was that I had just taken care of the issue and there was no output available. But I had to stop and try to get rid of the sensation, because it was more than niggling. Needless to say the run was slow and cut short.

Fast forward about 25 years and you find me still running and still problem solving. I have been running more in spite of the issue of bladder control that seems to be evolving with each passing year, because barefoot running has greatly extended my enjoyment and potential in running.

Though I have done all the recommended kegel exercises, and even experimented with moderate dehydration, the episodes of bladder unreliability, as I will politely put it, are both unpredictable and of increasing consequence. It used to be that mostly what I had to be careful of was sneezing upon entering a chilly room or avoiding trampolines. Now, it seems like there are capricious changes in the juxtaposition of my anatomy that mean I can go a couple weeks without a problem, only to be overwhelmed without warning.

I have tried varying attitudes and approaches. I have tried ignoring it. After all, I am usually sweating perspiring significantly enough when I run that maybe no one will notice? I have tried wearing colors that will camaflauge it. I have tried running where there are handy port-a-potties, but unfortunately find that sometimes my bladder simply wants to be completely empty. I have been aghast at how forcefully my bladder can expel 2 millimeters of urine, threatening to unveil my pretense of perspiration. I have resorted to wearing the dreaded “old-lady” Poise pads. It is humiliating, but not as humiliating as, well, the alternative.

The worst time for me has been when I have had a lingering cough, such that coughing occasionally while running puts irresistible force on my bladder. It is hard to stifle a cough. Or during longer runs where the um, chemicals present, burn the skin of my inner thighs. Sterile they may be, but that doesn’t mean they are moisturizing. It makes one long for a special running catheter.

My conclusion is that for now, a Poise pad is the best option when I am in a unpredictable bladder phase. The pads are, as advertised, thin and absorbent. I have run with one several times now and have not found them irritating. If I am going to be farther away from home on a longish run, I also need to take a back-up pair of shorts, or something to potentially change into. I tell you because I want you to be encouraged that if you, too, are having this trouble, you are not the only one. There may be good reasons to limit or discontinue running, but I don’t think this is one. At least, I am going to deal with it and attempt to enjoy what is otherwise a great running journey.