The Impact of Running on your Pelvic Health

You’re scrolling the IG, seeing the cutest and coolest of apparel for running. From unicorn headbands to knee-high compression socks, everything from head-to-toe is pretty much covered in intentionally-created garb.

Except, when it comes to running, many people buy the obvious items for performance and pictures: shoes and socks for running, gummies and vitamins for endurance, and outward attire for looks and even laughs. 

While all the above seems to cater to the many areas impacted while running – physical, mental and emotional,  in between the more commonly-sold clothes and the standard swag, we tend to overlook an area that is directly impacted by running – our pelvic area.

That said, we are sharing several things female runners should be aware of regarding running and the impact it may have on their overall pelvic health!

Chafing.  While this may not be too big of a concern typically, chafing, over time, can be a really big problem once infection starts to seep in.  Inflammation via burning or itching of any kind can definitely impact your run and your pelvic health later down the road.  It’s important to deter discomfort long before dis-ease or diagnoses set in.  Choose a panty that stays put when you’re on the move and stays flexible enough to move with you to your next goal!

Dumping Discharge. First and foremost, there are different types of vaginal discharge that you can have (and should regularly monitor) however, overall, discharge is meant to help keep the pH balance of the vagina on point. 

That said, running doesn’t necessarily make you “create” more discharge, however, you will be performing actions that cause it to secrete more easily and likely in larger volumes than you would lose that same volume in a longer, less active period of time.

Urinary Incontinence. Not only is it a thing, but it is the most common theme we talk about with our devoted runners. In fact, many of our testimonials have been incredibly helpful when it comes to sharing candid stories of how Apele helped them focus on the finish line, not their leaks.

Hormonal changes can cause the pelvic floor muscles, which act as a sort of sling that holds and supports the uterus and other internal organs, to loosen. Putting your body through a rigorous regimen of running and training or especially the stages of womanhood like pre-menopause to post-partum issues can impact the pelvic area even before placing more pressure via pounding the pavement.

Yeast Infections. Yep. With all that sweat happening, your body is producing a ton of moisture that can quickly breed bacteria and yeast if not properly and regularly dried. For this reason, we do not use cotton.  Sure cotton boasts breathability but any runner will tell you that once cotton is wet, it stays wet. Our 1-ounce performance panty is made with fabric that wicks sweat and even begins to dry WHILE YOU RUN!

Take care of you and your WHOLE BODY – including the pelvic area when purchasing panties and other products for performing!