Any other incontinent runners out there? Chafing issues!

[Catscatsandmorecats]

I have at times, terrible incontinence, it is cyclical and hormone related due to two prolapses post childbirth.

I am too young and active for the surgery to last more than 5 years. It can only be done twice. I haven't even asked what happens to my vagina after that 😬

HRT is helping, and I'm at the highest dose, but I am still reliant on tena lady for running. I'm upping my distances but for longer runs they really chafe!

Contrelle doesn't really work as it's not really stress incontinence.

Does anyone have any advice? I'm willing to experiment as I don't want to give up running.

Could try the underwear that are designed for periods

have you tried contrelle?

Modibodi I have a collaboration with puma for period sportswear - I know it isn’t the same but might be worth a go?

Have you tried a mooncup? It raises the angle of the urethra, allowing it to maintain the consistent pressure so might help

In the OP

Bodyglide works really well to guard against chafing.

Period pants instead of pads

Are you on IG?

Sophie Power (ultra_sophie) has written a lot about her personal experience of these issues, you might find something helpful there. I know she has worn a pessary and extremely tight running shorts in the past!

I second this. Yes, really.

I have not leaked a drop since using mine on fast and long runs.

I have quite severe bladder issues (interstitial cystitis and lupus related stuff) and I find modibodi high absorbency maxi pants with a Tena pad work best for me. But I’m going to be honest and say it hasn’t solved it completely. It’s more comfortable I guess. But I’ve learnt to care less, wear thicker leggings and a long baggy black t shirt which hides pretty much anything.

Thanks all, I'm so glad I'm not the only one!

I'm in the same boat as @Xrays I already am using the most absorbent modibodis and pads combined. I don't really care about hiding it, I just don't want the tena lady leaving me raw from chafing!

Interesting about the mooncup, I'm not supposed to use one because of the prolapses, and I wonder if it's a similar effect to contrelle which sadly doesn't work for me. I'll have a try though!

@theworldiswarmingup DH has some bodyglide so I might steal that to see if it helps.

@SausageAndEggSandwich I am! I'll have a look for her. I do think the right tight underwear and shorts helps, I did not plan my knickers well today.

I'm gearing up for my first 10 mile race in a few weeks so really really want to be comfortable and enjoy it and not be in agony afterwards 😁

Oh @Catscatsandmorecats another IG runner I follow (ab_runs) recommends sex lube rather than stuff like bodyglide - you can find it much more easily in shops if you have forgotten it in your bag. I don't get all my running hints and tips from instagram honestly 😂

I use a contiform pessory. I’ve noticed that when I use it, leaking is very minimal. I also use EVB pants/shorts. They are a sort of pelvic floor specific compression pant.

I have the modi body stuff, but I think they really need the addition of a disposable pad for running as they can get very heavy and uncomfortable.

Sounds like these might not be heavy duty enough for you if you're already using the pants, but there are absorbant leggings as well, and maybe two layers of pants and leggings would mean you could go without the tena lady? (i've not tried these ones yet)
https://www.mypelvichealth.co.uk/en/women/urine-leakage-moderate-containment/lumana-protective-activewear/lumana-leggings/

Also I used to use ones by EVB leggings, which were not meant to absorb leaks, but instead were supposed to be supportive in a way that would help support pelvic muscles to stop the problem getting worse. I don't know if it helped or not though as I didn't find the fit very comfortable for my shape, but could be worth a try. Not sure they are still being made though.

(sorry I see someone has just mentioned EVB shorts while I was typing that!)