I leak urine when I exercise

I constantly need to go to the toilet

Question

When I try to do any exercise, like running, I leak urine. This is not only embarrassing, it is also uncomfortable.

Even if I fully empty my bladder before going for a run, it still happens. If I go swimming, about 20 minutes after coming out of the pool, I leak water again, even though I do not feel I need to go to the toilet.

It is ruining any form of physical exercise for me and it makes me want to stay at home. Any ideas? I have had two children, 13 years ago.

Answer

This is called stress urinary incontinence (SUI), which isn't caused by stress in the emotional sense of the word but caused by physical pressure.

There are many possible causes in a woman but the commonest one is a prolapse. Fibroids and ovarian cysts can more rarely be the cause.

For many women the problem is a weak bladder sphincter (the muscle that seals urine in the bladder), or what is known as 'detrusor instability' - weakness of the bladder muscle.

There are specialist clinics available where gynaecologists with a special expertise in this area can find out exactly what the problem is and how to fix it.

You should see your GP and ask for a referral

Yours sincerely

Dr Bob Leckridge, GP

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