Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence in Female Athletes, Associated Factors, and Its Impacts on Quality of Life: A Literature Review

Abstract

Urinary incontinence (UI) in female athletes is a common and multifactorial condition characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine, especially during physical activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure. Although traditionally associated with aging and pregnancy, recent studies have demonstrated a high occurrence of UI among young, nulliparous, and physically active women, particularly those participating in high-impact sports such as CrossFit, running, ballet, gymnastics, and weight training. The prevalence of UI varies widely in the literature, reaching rates above 50% in some sports and up to 80% in high-impact athletic activities. The main associated factors include jumping, running, repeated landings, high training volume, fatigue or weakness of the pelvic floor muscles, and a previous history of urinary tract infections. In addition to its physical consequences, UI significantly affects athletes’ quality of life, causing embarrassment, reduced self-esteem, insecurity, anxiety, and impaired sports performance. Pelvic physiotherapy is considered the primary conservative approach for prevention and treatment, employing strategies such as pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback, electrical stimulation, functional re-education, and health education. In conclusion, UI represents an important health issue in the context of women's sports, requiring early diagnosis, specialized intervention, and further research on the subject.