Do Intravaginal Devices Reduce Urinary Incontinence in Female Runners?
Urinary Incontinence
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Urinary Incontinence focused on measuring exercise-induced urinary incontinence, running-induced urinary incontinence, intravaginal pessary, tampon, pelvic floor
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Cis-females aged 18 years and over who run at least 5 km in under 50 minutes (minimum speed of 6 km/h to ensure high impact), at least twice per week (to ensure adequate frequency), and who have done so for at least one year (to ensure adequate duration of exposure); Who regularly (≥ 1 per week) experience urine leakage while running and who report ≤1 urine leakage episode per month not associated with exercise; Exclusion Criteria: Any risk factors related to exercise; If they report any pain or musculoskeletal injury at the time of the screening; History of urogenital surgery; Symptoms of the female athlete triad; Dyspareunia to the extent that they cannot undergo a regular gynaecologic examination; Have a known neurologic disorder (e.g. stroke, multiple sclerosis); Pregnancy or partum within the previous year;
Sites / Locations
- McLean Function Measurement LabRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Experimental
Experimental
No Intervention
Pessary Intervention
Tampon Intervention
Control Group
Participants randomized to this group will receive an Uresta Incontinence Pessary to use each time they run over a 12-week period. They will be instructed to use the pessary only while running and remove it and wash it with soap and water when the training is over. Uresta is a reusable and removable device made of hypoallergenic medical-grade resin that is inserted into the vagina to provide mechanical support. It comes with a starter kit with 3 different sizes which work for over 80% of women. Participants will be instructed on how to test the 3 sizes to find out which one is right for them.
Participants randomized to this group will receive 60 regular Tampax tampons and will be instructed to use them each time they run over a 12-week period. The tampon should be used only while running and removed and discarded when the training is over.
Participants randomized to this group won't receive any intervention and will be asked to continue their running training as usual for 12-weeks. They will also be instructed to not begin any treatment for urinary incontinence until their reassessment. After 12-weeks, they will be reassessed and will be offered the opportunity to receive a pessary if they desire so.