bladder issues/problems

[OakLeaf]

There are a lot of things that might cause it, but if it only happens on long rides, I'd guess you aren't getting enough electrolytes. The more plain water you drink, the more your kidneys try to rid themselves of it to keep adequate electrolytes in your blood.

Do you use a sports drink, Endurolytes or similar - or make sure to eat plenty of salty snacks - when you're on long rides?

I am not a doctor, etc., etc....

[KnottedYet]

Irritation to the opening of the urethra can cause a desperate urge to pee, also.
If the irritation gets intense, it can cause the bladder to spasm.

Is your chamois folding or bunching up? Is the chamois too thick? Is there too much padding with the saddle/chamois combo, so that it begins to irritate on longer rides? Are your shorts too small? Is the waist of your shorts too low cut (dragging the shorts upward as you ride)? Are you tilting your pelvis too far forward as rides get longer? Did you raise your saddle or lower your bars? Did you get a new saddle? Does your saddle fit properly?

If it continues to happen on rides, it might be a good idea to contact the doctor again and get cleared to see a pelvic physical therapist. Most of them also do sports med, which would be a good combination. If it starts to happen in situations other than rides, your doctor would probably send you to a urologist.

[ibike2]

Is your chamois folding or bunching up? Is the chamois too thick? Is there too much padding with the saddle/chamois combo, so that it begins to irritate on longer rides? Are your shorts too small? Is the waist of your shorts too low cut (dragging the shorts upward as you ride)? Are you tilting your pelvis too far forward as rides get longer? Did you raise your saddle or lower your bars? Did you get a new saddle? Does your saddle fit properly?

If it continues to happen on rides, it might be a good idea to contact the doctor again and get cleared to see a pelvic physical therapist. Most of them also do sports med, which would be a good combination. If it starts to happen in situations other than rides, your doctor would probably send you to a urologist.

Chamois - I do have a few pair of shorts that the chamois is big, and too thick, I usually only wear those at home when I ride my trainer, or I might wear them on a shorter ride 20-25 miles but nothing more. I have my favorite shorts to wear on longer rides and I stick with them.

Short size - My short size is fine, Shorts that are to small are not comfortable.

Tilting my pelvis - I could be tilting my pelvis forward, I know when I start to get tired some of the more important things you do on rides - tend to easily forgotten and I probably don't even notice.

Saddle - I have been riding the same saddle for over a year. My first saddle was a BG dolce with the middle cut out. It was very comfortable until I was fitted to my bike. I then bought a Italia Selle SLK womens saddle. I find the saddle to be comfortable, there is no cut out in it. But my girl parts are just fine, they don't go numb, etc....

[ibike2]

There are a lot of things that might cause it, but if it only happens on long rides, I'd guess you aren't getting enough electrolytes. The more plain water you drink, the more your kidneys try to rid themselves of it to keep adequate electrolytes in your blood.

Do you use a sports drink, Endurolytes or similar - or make sure to eat plenty of salty snacks - when you're on long rides?

I guess I never really thought about electrolytes being an issue. I do drink lots of water, I would probably say I drink at least 1 1/2 bottle to 2 bottles on a 30 + mile ride, the hottier is the more I drink. I am sure there have been times when I have not drank enough.

I use electrolyte drops, and add them to whatever sports drink I am drinking (heed, or gaterade), if I am not drinking a sports drink I will just add it to my water.

I know throughout the day I do not drink the proper amount of water, I'd say I proably average 2 cups of coffee, 4 cups of water - on a good day.

I will try the salty snacks.