Urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor dysfunctions in female athletes in B razil: A cross‐sectional study

• Published in: Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports Vol. 26; no. 9; pp. 1109 - 1116
• Main Authors: Almeida, M. B. A., Barra, A. A., Saltiel, F., Silva‐Filho, A. L., Fonseca, A. M. R. M., Figueiredo, E. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-09-2016
• ISSN: 0905-7188; 1600-0838
• DOI: 10.1111/sms.12546

The pelvic floor (
PF
) provides support to all pelvic organs, as well as appropriately closure/opening mechanism of the urethra, vagina, and anus. Therefore, it is likely that female athletes involved in high‐impact and in strong‐effort activities are at risk for the occurrence of urinary incontinence (
UI
). This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of
UI
and other
PF
dysfunctions (
PFD
) [anal incontinence (
AI
), symptoms of constipation, dyspareunia, vaginal laxity, and pelvic organ prolapse] in 67 amateur athletes (
AT
) compared with a group 96 of nonathletes (
NAT
). An
ad hoc
survey based on questions from reliable and valid instruments was developed to investigate the occurrence of PFD symptoms. The risk of
UI
was higher in
AT
group (odds ratio: 2.90; 95%
CI
: 1.50–5.61), mostly among artistic gymnastics and trampoline, followed by swimming and judo athletes. Whereas,
AT
group reported less straining to evacuate (
OR
: 0.46; 95%
CI
: 0.22–0.96), manual assistance to defecate (
OR
: 0.24; 95%
CI
: 0.05–1.12), and a higher stool frequency (
OR
: 0.29; 95%
CI
: 0.13–0.64) than
NAT
group. The occurrence of loss of gas and sexual symptoms was high for both groups when compared with literature, although with no statistical difference between them. Pelvic organ prolapse was only reported by nonathletes. Athletes are at higher risk to develop
UI
, loss of gas, and sexual dysfunctions, either practicing high‐impact or strong‐effort activities. Thus, pelvic floor must be considered as an entity and addressed as well. Also, women involved in long‐term high‐impact and strengthening sports should be advised of the impact of such activities on pelvic floor function and offered preventive
PFD
strategies as well.