What This Video Covers
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Athletes features pelvic health expert Jill Cramp as she breaks down why pelvic floor issues are far more common in athletes than most people realize. The video challenges long-held assumptions, highlights startling prevalence rates across different sports, and offers practical strategies for clinicians, coaches, and athletes to identify and address symptoms early.
Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Athletes
Many people assume pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) only affects pregnant or postpartum individuals, but this video makes it clear that PFD can affect anyone with a pelvis. Jill explains that more than 38 muscles attach to the pelvic region, and dysfunction can show up in many ways, from urinary urgency and leakage to hip pain, constipation, painful intercourse, and difficulty with core stability.
The video also reviews what “normal” bladder and bowel patterns should look like, helping viewers recognize symptoms they may have overlooked.
How Common Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Sports?
One of the video’s most important takeaways is just how widespread PFD is among athletes. Research shows that athletes are three times more likely to experience urinary incontinence compared to non-athletes, even if they are young, fit, and have never been pregnant.
- High rates of urinary incontinence among female, male, adolescent, elite, and strength-based athletes
- Significant leakage reported during heavy lifts like squats and deadlifts
- Evidence of both urinary and fecal incontinence among powerlifters
Why Athletes Stay Silent About Symptoms
Despite how common these issues are, most athletes never talk about them, not with coaches, teammates, or medical providers. The video explores how fear and embarrassment contribute to this silence, and how untreated pelvic floor issues can undermine performance.
Athletes often develop workarounds that may harm long-term health, such as restricting fluids, avoiding certain movements, overusing the restroom, or relying on pads instead of seeking care.
Evidence-Based Treatment and Prevention Strategies
Jill emphasizes that pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is one of the most effective first-line treatments for urinary leakage and other pelvic floor issues.
The video encourages clinicians and coaches to help athletes:
Ask the Right Questions
Normalize conversations around bowel, bladder, and sexual health so athletes feel safe discussing symptoms.
Understand Core Mechanics
View the core as a coordinated system involving the diaphragm, pelvic floor, abdominal wall, and spinal stabilizers.
Manage Pressure Effectively
Recognize how breath, bracing, and lifting mechanics impact pelvic floor load during sport.
Strengthen Hip Musculature
Support the pelvic floor by training surrounding muscles like the obturator internus and piriformis.
The message is simple: incorporating pelvic floor awareness and training early, especially in adolescence, can prevent problems later and support better performance.
Watch the full video “Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Athletes” to dive deeper into the research and strategies.
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