A recent study in the Journal of Women's & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy examined pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) in female collegiate athletes and found significant prevalence rates with strong connections to mental health.
What the Research Shows
Researchers surveyed 156 female student athletes across NCAA Division I–III institutions using validated screening tools for PFD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and stress.
Key findings:
• 29% reported urinary leakage during sport.
• 38% experienced pain with vaginal insertion (tampon, speculum).
• 83% expressed interest in pelvic floor education or treatment.
• Anxiety and bladder pain significantly predicted vaginal insertion pain (p ≤ .048).
• Moderate correlations existed between PFD symptoms and anxiety, depression, and stress (p < .001).
💡What This Means for Clinical Care
This study confirms that PFD is common in female collegiate athletes and strongly linked to mental health symptoms.
• Both relaxing and nonrelaxing PFD occur in this population, requiring different treatment approaches.
• The 83% interest rate reveals a critical gap—athletes want information but lack access to it.
• Mental health screening should be integrated into pelvic floor assessments for athletes.
Bridging the Gap
With nearly one in three athletes experiencing urinary leakage and over one in three dealing with painful insertion, the time for normalized conversations about pelvic health in sports medicine is now.
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