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When marathon and long-distance runners compete in the Olympics the excitement gets so intense that wetting oneself is a metaphoric possibility.

But you can be sure we never imagined that those runners may be literally peeing themselves too. While many marathon runners are preoccupied with shin splints, chafing and blisters come race day, one thing they may not consider is their bladder health.

According to Melinda Abernethy, MD, fellow, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, the stress put on the body during marathon runs can lead to urinary stress incontinence during the race or later in the future.

Urinary Stress incontinence according to the report is loss of urine from physical activity such as coughing, sneezing and exercise. It is the most common kind of incontinence that effects women more than men, especially sexually active and pregnant women or women who have given birth.

Until more tests are done, doctors advice that marathon runners go to the bathroom at least every few hours and monitor their fluid intake.

"Putting off going to the bathroom during the race is not healthy for your bladder," Dr. Abernethy said. "Runners also should avoid diuretics, such as coffee or tea, before the race, because this can stimulate the bladder and cause you to visit the bathroom more frequently.

Pelvic Floor exercises such as kegels may also help runners prevent any leakage on th eong run and during a race. However, warns researchers, any noted bladder control problems should be discussed with a physician before the the condition worses.