Individual Factors in Young Female Athletes' Bladder Health (the Y-FAB Study)

Bladder health in high school and collegiate females is not well understood.

The objective of this study was to compare toileting behaviors, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs), and fluid intake in female athletes and nonathletes.

English-speaking nulliparous females aged 13-23 years were recruited. Participants completed the Toileting Behaviors: Women's Elimination Behaviors Scale, Bristol Female LUTS Questionnaire, and Beverage Questionnaire. Statistical analysis included univariable analyses and multivariable comparisons of athletes to nonathletes adjusting for age and fluid intake.

One hundred athletes and 98 nonathletes participated (mean age 20 ± 2, mean body mass index 23 ± 4). Athletes' sports were predominantly high impact. Dysmenorrhea and anxiety were higher in nonathletes ( P < 0.01) versus more stress fractures in athletes ( P < 0.001). Problematic toileting behaviors were prevalent regardless of athletic status; nonathletes were more likely to hold urine until home and empty away from home without the urge (both P = 0.04). Lower urinary tract symptoms were prevalent regardless of athletic status, including frequency (34.2%), hesitancy (33.3%), urgency (32.8%), stress incontinence (15.3%), and urgency incontinence (11.8%). Athletes had significantly more stress incontinence and urgency and higher incontinence subscores on univariable analysis, although the difference was attenuated after multivariable adjustment. Athletes consumed lower total fluids ( P = 0.03).

Problematic toileting behaviors and LUTSs were prevalent in high school and collegiate females, regardless of athletic status. Athletes had higher stress urinary incontinence and urgency and lower fluid intake. These findings support future work toward enhancing early bladder health interventions (screening, education, and LUTS prevention) among high school and collegiate females.