Prevalence of stress urinary incontinence and associated factors in elite female football players: Better understanding for better prevention

OBJECTIVES: Stress urinary incontinence affects many female athletes. Its effect in elite women's football has received little attention. This study aims to determine the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence in elite women's football, investigate its triggers, analyze compensatory strategies, and identify practical solutions to reduce its impact on health and performance.

DESIGN: Observational, cross-sectional survey.

METHODS: This study used anonymized, retrospective data from 368 football players who completed an online questionnaire assessing the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence through both direct and indirect questions, triggering factors and the level of dialog on this topic. Sub-analyses explored differences across practice levels (National: Divisions 1 and 2, Division 3 and Under19 and Regional: Other).

RESULTS: Direct questions revealed that 19% of players reported suffering from stress urinary incontinence, while indirect indicators suggested a prevalence of 55%, with no significant difference between groups. Jumping/ landing was the main trigger (41%), followed by running (27%) and abdominal exercises (18%). 20% of players were asked about their stress urinary incontinence by physicians and 8% by coaches or physiotherapists, with no differences across practice levels. However, dialog with gynecologists (p < 0.001) and physiotherapists (p = 0.03) was significantly higher among top-level Division 1 and 2 players compared to Division 3 and Under19 and Other.

CONCLUSIONS: Stress urinary incontinence is common in women's football. This study emphasizes understanding the triggering factors for stress urinary incontinence prevention, treatment, and open discussion to avoid negative effects on athletes' health and performance. Coaches and healthcare professionals also play a key role in prevention.