More than half of young female athletes report pelvic floor symptoms, study finds

The findings show that 53% of high-level and elite female athletes aged 15 to 20 reported experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.

More than half of young female athletes have reported experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, according to a newly released study from the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).

The research highlights the need to better support girls in sport and was authored by TUS PhD researcher Angela Kenneally, who has been lead physiotherapist with the Republic of Ireland women’s football squad since 2017.

The findings show that 53% of high-level and elite female athletes aged 15 to 20 reported experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.

The study found that in Ireland, one in five girls leave sport between primary and post-primary school, four times the rate of boys, while only 11% of adolescent girls currently meet daily physical activity guidelines.

The research also found that the drop in participation among girls often coincides with adolescence, a key stage of growth and development that brings physical, psychological and social changes that can shape their sporting experiences.

Research examines young women’s sporting experiences 

To help understand how sport systems can better meet the needs of girls, the research explores the experiences of young female athletes across organised sport in Ireland.

Almost 300 young women and girls, aged between 15 and 20 and from 19 sports, participated in the research.

The report focuses on key themes including the menstrual cycle, pelvic floor and breast health, strength training, and factors that influence young female athletes’ participation and wellbeing in sport.

TUS PhD researcher and author of the report, Angela Kenneally said: “The benefit of sports participation both mentally and physically is well known and documented.

“Keeping young girls in sport, as they navigate puberty, is important for lifelong health and wellbeing.

“Those who work with youth athletes have a responsibility to ensure that we support females across all parts of the lifecycle.

“What happens during adolescence sets a girl up for life. We need to apply a female health lens to our support.”

Reacting to the findings of the report, Dr Niamh Ní Chéilleachair, senior lecturer at TUS, added: “The findings highlight that while we have made progress, there is more to do to ensure young female athletes are fully supported within their sporting environments.

“Many girls are navigating female specific health with limited education and support, despite it being a normal part of adolescence.

“By improving awareness, access to appropriate supports and creating environments where girls feel comfortable having these conversations, we can help more girls remain involved in sport and have positive sporting experiences.”

Strength training popular among young athletes 

A trend also highlighted in the study is the high rate of strength training participation among girls from a young age.

Some 87% of participants reported engaging in strength training from the age of 13. Most participants have been training through consistent programmes, utilising both bodyweight and free-weight exercises.

Some 59% have their programmes professionally designed by specialised strength and conditioning coaches.

A total of 43% complete two strength sessions per week, with an overall average of nearly two and a half sessions weekly.