Certain Sports Are Worse
Leakage can occur when certain sports, particularly those that involve repetitive bouncing like running and aerobics, increase abdominal pressure and transmit the impact to the bladder, Nygaard notes. "The muscles of the pelvic floor are the ones that resist the urine loss, and they can only withstand a certain amount of force from above," she says. Changes in anatomy from childbirth and aging can contribute to the problem, adds Nygaard who notes that "many women think this is just part of being female and they have to live with it."

"Lots of women think surgery is the only solution and they don't want surgery so they don't seek help," says Kathe Wallace, a Seattle physical therapist who has lectured on "Why Jane Stopped Running" at symposiums on health concerns of athletic women. "So they quit exercising or switch to swimming or wear pads."

Strengthening Pelvic Muscles
But there are several strategies that can cure or significantly improve the problem, she notes. Strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor through exercises called Kegels (after Dr. Arnold Kegel who developed them) and training programs to teach good bladder habits can help many people regain urinary control. Consult a health care professional for instruction in performing Kegels properly, Wallace advises, since many women have difficulty isolating the appropriate muscles.