Risk of pelvic floor dysfunctions in young athletes
Schettino, M.T.; Mainini, G.; Ercolano, S.; Vascone, C.; Scalzone, G.; D'Assisi, D.; Tormettino, B.; Gimigliano, F.; Esposito, E.; Di Donna, M.C.; Colacurci, N.; Torella, M.
Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology 41(6): 671-676
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0390-6663 PMID: 25551961 Document Number: 674617
Numerous epidemiological studies have shown a correlation between sport and the development of pelvic floor dysfunction. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of urinary incontinence in female young athletes. The epidemiological study was conducted on 105 female volleyball players, who were given a questionnaire, self-compiled, consisting of four main domains (personal data and medical history, urinary incontinence, urinary disorders, and judgment on the questionnaire). In a total of 105 athletes, the present authors observed that 65.7% had reported at least one symptom of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and/or urgency, during sport or in daily life situations. In particular, the 49.52% reported urge urinary incontinence, 20% urine loss for urgency, and 29.52% SUI. In addition, the present authors observed that nocturia was reported in 70.48% of cases, incomplete bladder emptying in 55.24%, urinary hesitancy in the 36.19%, and pelvic pain in 52.38%. In all cases, the symptoms were occasional and low. In relation to the coexistence of symptoms, the present authors observed that 22.85% of athletes had only symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, 6.66% mixed incontinence, and 6.66% symptoms of urge urinary incontinence associated to urine loss for SUI. The present authors observed a relationship between the sport and the pelvic floor dysfunction, in particular urinary incontinence.