Breaking the Silence on Pelvic Floor Disorders in Australian Women
Urinary incontinence is a prevalent yet often overlooked issue among Australian women, particularly those involved in sports. Approximately one in three women participating in various sports experiences symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, with the percentage rising to 80% in high-impact sports such as gymnastics, trampolining, weightlifting, and powerlifting.
Belinda Cox oversees the trampoline program at Gymnastics NSW. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)
The Need for Education and Awareness
Belinda Cox, the head coach and high performance manager at Gymnastics NSW Trampoline, emphasizes the importance of addressing pelvic health education, especially in the realm of sports. She highlights the lack of inclusion of pelvic health education in traditional programs and the need for proactive measures to educate athletes, coaches, and parents on preventive strategies.
Imogen Florian says it’s important to have more conversations around women’s health in sport. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)
Imogen Florian, a 23-year-old Australian trampoline athlete, stresses the significance of open dialogues about women’s health in sports. While she hasn’t personally experienced pelvic floor issues, she acknowledges the barriers many athletes face and the importance of creating a supportive environment for discussing such sensitive topics.
“Without that, you will see a drop off in participation within sport and we had seen that in previous years.”
Symptoms as a Barrier to Physical Activity
Jodie Dakic, a senior physiotherapy lecturer at Monash University, conducted a study involving 4,500 Australian women with pelvic floor symptoms during exercise. The research revealed that half of these women had to cease physical activity due to their symptoms, underscoring the need to address this barrier to women’s participation in sports.
Jodie Dakic says there are treatment options for women who experience symptoms. (Supplied)
Common symptoms of pelvic floor disorders include leaking urine, urgency to urinate, pelvic pain, and chronic constipation. Despite the prevalence of these issues, there is a lack of awareness and discussion surrounding them, particularly among elite athletes.
“Whilst these symptoms are really common, they’re not normal. There is something that we can do to help women who are experiencing symptoms.”
Treatment options for pelvic floor disorders include pelvic floor muscle exercises, consultations with pelvic floor physiotherapists, bladder training, and lifestyle modifications. Implementing these interventions can significantly improve symptoms and prevent women from discontinuing physical activity.
Inclusivity and Support for All Women
Pelvic floor disorders can affect women of all ages, with causes ranging from pregnancy and childbirth to overactive pelvic floors. Belinda Cox emphasizes the importance of educating coaches on proper strategies to support athletes experiencing these issues, dispelling myths and promoting a more inclusive and understanding environment.
Gymnastics NSW has been getting pelvic floor physiotherapists to provide education to coaches. (ABC Sport: Amanda Shalala)
By dispelling myths and providing accurate information, the sports community can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for women experiencing pelvic floor disorders.
Breaking the silence on pelvic floor disorders and promoting open discussions can lead to better support and resources for women in sports, ensuring that no one has to discontinue physical activity due to these common but often overlooked issues.