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Expert Q&A

	By Catherine Cram, M.S. Postpartum Fitness Expert Exercise Physiologist

How can an exercise program keep a person dealing with incontinence active and healthy?

Exercise is a great way for a woman to maintain a strong, healthy body and self image. But for some women the problem of stress incontinence during exercise creates a serious issue and may even cause an avoidance of activities that cause bladder leakage. Up to one-third of women who exercise experience some degree of stress incontinence during running or other activities as a result of weak support of the bladder neck. It is important for women who suffer from exercise-related incontinence to be aware that there are treatments available that can help reduce or eliminate the problem.

Women who suffer from incontinence need to continue to keep their bodies healthy and strong through exercise. A fit body is better able to respond to the exercises that can help strengthen the pelvic floor (kegels) and a positive body image that exercise can provide helps to encourage a woman to find support and treatment."

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