walking causes bladder discomfort

[sk8flo]

I started a walking program (40 min every other day) for PAD.  After 5-10 min I experience bladder discomfort (like I need to void but bladder is empty) and left labial discomfort.  It resolves sometimes within 10 more minutes, other times It continues to the end of my walk.  It only happens during this walk.

I am 62 and also have a known L5S1 disc herniation with mild stenosis.

Is this something urological or related to my spine?

[sk8flo]

Thanks you for your advice.  I'll look into how to strengthen the pelvic floor.  As I stated, I am 5'5" and 108 lbs. so I don't think I need to focus on weight loss :)  Several years ago I was given some estrogen vaginal cream for bladder pressure which helped but this is not the same type of feeling.....

I appreciate your taking the time to offer some suggestions.

[Dr Smitha Mathews]

Hi,

It is obvious that the combination of raised intra-abdominal pressure and strain on the spine are causing your problem.

You will need to focus on weight loss and will have to do some exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor. These include Kegel's exercises but there a few newer forms that you can discuss with your doctor.

If you are female and postmenopausal, you can discuss treatment with estrogens to increase the tone of your pelvic muscles but this will need to be dealt with caution and understanding of the side effects of the treatment.

[sk8flo]

Thank you for your imput.  The only other time I notice it is sometimes when I am leaning forward to push a patient stretcher.  I'm 5'5" 108 lbs and never had children.  No obvious symptoms of urinary infection, no incontinence but it is an uncomfortable feeling and do experience urgency at times.  I feel I have to limit my fluid intake to the hours I am at home.

[Dr Smitha Mathews]

Hi,

As the symptoms only occur during exercise it is possible that they are related to the disc herniation.

This may occur due to increased amount of nerve compression during walking, especially if you are overweight, and may subside on rest.

Additionally, a weak pelvic floor can also contribute to this condition.

You will need to evaluate whether you develop these symptoms while involved in other routine activity.

Having a urinalysis will also help identify whether there is an underlying infection that can cause this problem.

Do keep us posted on any further doubts in this regard.