Stress Urinary Incontinence in Gymnasts Prior to Age Eighteen Does Impact Future Voiding Symptoms

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

5-2025

Publication Title

Journal of Urology

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is common among high impact athletes. This can be particularly symptomatic during high-impact activities. We sought to identify whether gymnasts experienced leakage during training before age 18 and if so, whether this impacts future voiding symptoms. METHODS: Former gymnasts were invited to complete an IRB approved survey via Facebook. The survey collected respondents’ demographics, as well as the presence or absence of SUI before and after age 18 years. Respondents were asked to identify the conditions under which they have experienced incontinence. Additionally, validated surveys were completed regarding current voiding symptoms. RESULTS: 146 people responded to the survey, with 126 complete responses. Participants ranged from 18-65+ years old with the majority between 25-64 years. BMI ranged from 19.2-54.9 (mean 26.5), with 48 (38.4%) respondents training gymnastics for 5-10 years, 49 (39.2%) of respondents training 10-14 years, and 28 (22.4%) training over 15 years. A total of 60 respondents reported experiencing SUI during gymnastics while under 18 years, while 66 denied SUI. Among participants who experienced SUI with gymnastics under 18 years, 51 experienced SUI as adults. In contrast, among participants who did not experience SUI under 18 years, 35 experienced SUI as adults (OR 5.02, RR 1.6). Overall, 22 respondents sought care for SUI. Chi-square analysis revealed SUI with gymnastics training under age 18 was associated with increasing weighted UDI-6 scaled score (35.4 vs 26.4, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: High impact athletes do experience SUI with training under age 18, and are more likely to experience incontinence as adults. Earlier recognition of SUI during high impact activities could ultimately improve patients’ long-term quality of life.

Volume

213

Issue

5S

First Page

e813

Last Page

e813

Comments

American Urological Association Annual Meeting, April 26-29, 2025, Las Vegas, NV

DOI

10.1097/01.JU.0001109996.33787.46.17

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