Bladder infections affect many female mountain bikers sooner or later. Then it's often: "Er, sorry, I need to ..." Slowing down the group of bikers for a pit stop is usually received in a friendly or even supportive manner. But who wants to annoy their fellow travellers with constant wee breaks? If you get on the saddle with cystitis, this could happen. After all, the urge to urinate is one of the symptoms of this urinary tract infection. But are you even allowed to ride a bike with cystitis - or do you make it more likely by riding?
Female bikers have more problems
The good news: "Bladder inflammation is not usually caused by cycling. Rather, it is a phenomenon that in most cases can be linked to individual hygiene and health factors," says Dr Ursula Manunzio, Head of the Competitive and Recreational Sports Department at Bonn University Hospital. Nevertheless, bikers appear to be affected by urinary tract problems somewhat more frequently. According to a study published in the specialist publication Healthcare in 2024, ambitious female racers and MTB riders had significantly more problems than inactive women. Due to their anatomy - they have a shorter urethra - women are generally more susceptible to bladder infections and bacterial infections in general. All it takes is a wet pair of cycling shorts or a less meticulous cleaning routine after a ride.
How does cystitis develop?
Bladder infections are primarily caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract. The forward-leaning position on the bike can exert pressure on the genital area and the structures behind it, making them more sensitive and even causing slight incontinence. However, this does not cause bladder inflammation. It is usually triggered by other, often seemingly insignificant things such as: "Wiping the wrong way round after using the toilet," Ursula Manunzio cites as an example. "This may sound banal, but in women in particular, this can lead to intestinal germs entering the vagina and multiplying there. If this is compounded by excessive cycling, exhaustion and insufficient fluid intake, the risk increases considerably." A weakened immune system or improper care of sportswear can also make a urinary tract infection more likely.
Sometimes bladder inflammation is symptom-free, says sports doctor Manunzio: "Some sufferers don't even realise that an infection is creeping in." However, bladder inflammation typically manifests itself with symptoms such as a burning sensation when urinating and a constant urge to urinate without really having to. There are often only a few drops of fluid. In advanced cases, there may even be blood in the urine. This is when you should make an appointment at the doctor's surgery at the latest.
Bike break for cystitis?
Good intimate hygiene is a decisive factor when it comes to avoiding bladder infections. "Cycling shorts should be washed after every ride - and not just with conventional detergents, but with a special hygiene additive," advises Ursula Manunzio. It is also advisable to drink plenty of fluids. Both as a preventative measure to keep the mucous membranes moist and therefore able to defend themselves. But also as a home remedy if the bladder infection is already present. Water or herbal tea, especially nettle tea, are suitable to support the body in the natural elimination of bacteria.
The general rules for a healthy life also apply to cystitis in order to keep the body's defences as stable as possible: get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet. If the symptoms of an existing bladder infection become too severe, "antibiotic treatment can be useful", says sports physician Ursula Manunzio, who sees no problem with relaxed, reduced bike training for mild symptoms. However, if you have a fever or severe pain, you should take a break from cycling.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
