Tamara Rial-Faigenbaum, Ph.D., specialist professor in the Department of Health and Physical Education at Monmouth University, has co-authored a new peer-reviewed study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, “Nearly Half of 325 Athletes Reported Pelvic Floor Symptoms: a Cross-Sectional Study at the Lima 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships.”
This international study is the first to comprehensively assess pelvic floor health in both male and female youth athletes competing at an elite level. Conducted during the Lima 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships, the research surveyed 325 athletes representing 62 countries to evaluate the prevalence and impact of pelvic floor dysfunction, a condition often overlooked in sports medicine.
“Despite the growing awareness of pelvic floor health in adult athletes, youth populations remain under-studied,” said Rial-Faigenbaum. “Our findings reveal that nearly half of these elite young athletes experienced at least one pelvic floor symptom, highlighting an urgent need for better education, screening, and support.”
Some other key findings were that young elite female athletes were disproportionately affected by pelvic floor symptoms, with over 50% reporting symptoms like urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, and pelvic pain. Athletes with symptoms frequently reported frustration, worry, and reduced concentration during performance, while disclosing these issues or seeking help is rare. The study also identified sex-specific concerns, such as menstrual irregularities and lack of gynecological care among symptomatic female athletes, as well as maladaptive behaviors like fluid restriction and straining that may contribute to long-term pelvic health issues.
The authors advocate for integrating pelvic floor health screening into routine medical evaluations for youth athletes and promoting education to reduce the stigma associated with pelvic floor health issues. The study was led by a multidisciplinary and international team of experts in sports science, medicine, physical therapy, and women’s health, and was supported by World Athletics.
BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine is an open-access journal covering all aspects of sport and exercise medicine and associated areas such as physical activity for chronic disease prevention.