Incontinence and Running: the best incontinence pads for runners

According to a study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine, about 37% of runners will experience some form of incontinence during their lifetime. That’s a lot of runners! Women are more likely to suffer from incontinence than men, but anyone can be affected by it.

There are many different types of incontinence, but the most common type is urge incontinence. This is when you have a sudden, strong urge to go to the bathroom and can’t hold it in. Stress incontinence is another type of incontinence that can be caused by things like coughing, laughing, or sneezing. It is more common in women who have had children. Overflow incontinence is when your bladder can’t empty properly and leaks small amounts of urine regularly.

All of these types of incontinence can be very frustrating, especially for runners. But don’t worry, there are things you can do to manage your incontinence and still enjoy running!

Tips for Managing Incontinence as a Runner

There are several things you can do to manage your incontinence and stay active

Wear the right clothing: Wear supportive clothing, like running shorts with a built-in liner or compression shorts. This will help hold everything in place and minimize movement

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, but cut back on how much you drink right before your run. Too much fluid right before can lead to increased trips to the bathroom

Use the restroom regularly: Go to the bathroom before your run, even if you don’t feel the urge. This will help prevent any accidents mid-run

Build up slowly: Start with shorter runs and gradually increase your distance as you get used to running with incontinence

Use proper products: Use absorbent products designed for exercise, like pads or protective underwear. These products will help keep you dry and comfortable during your run. Be sure to change them frequently so you don’t get chafed or rashy.

Talk to your doctor: If you are struggling to manage your incontinence with these tips, talk to your doctor about other options like medication or counseling

Incontinence doesn’t have to mean the end of your running career! There are many things you can do to manage your incontinence and still enjoy being active. Try some of these tips and see what works best for you. And if you’re struggling, talk to your doctor about other options that may be available to you.