Stress Urinary Incontinence in Young Female Athletes- From Prevalence to Treatment- A Review

Abstract

Urinary incontinence is a prevalent issue among females aged 15-65, with prevalence rates ranging from 10% to 55%. Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is the most common form in young athletes, with rates ranging from 0% (golf) to 80% (trampolinists). Activities like jumping, landing, and running can cause leakage due to an increase in intraabdominal pressure. This study aimed to identify management strategies and the prevalence of SUI in teenage female athletes. A literature search was conducted on studies conducted between 1990 and the present, excluding abstracted and non-open access studies. The research found that the chance of urinary stress incontinence in young and nulliparous female athletes in sports ranges from 0% (golf) to 80% (trampolinists). These activities, including gymnastics, long jumps, track and field, and ball activities, significantly impact their standard of existence, psychological situation, and athletic performance. Effective conservative treatment options for SUI include behavioral and lifestyle modifications, pelvic floor exercises, and core strengthening exercises. Female athletes require significantly stronger pelvic floor muscles than inactive females, and contraction of these muscles should occur as the inner core muscles are engaged. Future studies, instruction, and focused therapies are needed for female athletes with SUI.