The pelvic floor (PF) provides support to all pelvic organs, as well as appropriately closure/opening mechanism of the urethra, vagina, and anus. Therefore, it is likely that female athletes involved in high-impact and in strong-effort activities are at risk for the occurrence of urinary incontinence (UI). This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of UI and other PF dysfunctions (PFD) [anal incontinence (AI), symptoms of constipation, dyspareunia, vaginal laxity, and pelvic organ prolapse] in 67 amateur athletes (AT) compared with a group 96 of nonathletes (NAT). An ad hoc survey based on questions from reliable and valid instruments was developed to investigate the occurrence of PFD symptoms. The risk of UI was higher in AT group (odds ratio: 2.90; 95% CI: 1.50-5.61), mostly among artistic gymnastics and trampoline, followed by swimming and judo athletes. Whereas, AT group reported less straining to evacuate (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.22-0.96), manual assistance to defecate (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.05-1.12), and a higher stool frequency (OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.13-0.64) than NAT group. The occurrence of loss of gas and sexual symptoms was high for both groups when compared with literature, although with no statistical difference between them. Pelvic organ prolapse was only reported by nonathletes. Athletes are at higher risk to develop UI, loss of gas, and sexual dysfunctions, either practicing high-impact or strong-effort activities. Thus, pelvic floor must be considered as an entity and addressed as well. Also, women involved in long-term high-impact and strengthening sports should be advised of the impact of such activities on pelvic floor function and offered preventive PFD strategies as well.

The International Continence Society defines urinary incontinence as any loss of urine reported by the patient. This is a condition that affects the world’s population, mainly the female sex, leading to several implications. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of urinary complaints and their impact on the quality of life of women that participate in physical activity groups. Methods: A total of 50 women, aged 40 years and older that participated in physical activity groups, participated in the study carried out by Physical Therapy Department of a Basic Health Unit in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The volunteers were submitted to urogynecological anamnesis and the ones that had presented urinary complaints in the recent months answered the “King’s Health Questionnaire” to have quality of life evaluated. Results: The prevalence of women with urinary complaints was 42%. The most predominant symptoms were: urgency (95.24%), frequency (90.48%), stress incontinence (85.71%) and nocturia (80.95%). Regarding the intensity, the urge-incontinence (49) and urgency (46) symptoms had the highest rates. According to the analysis of the domains, the impact of incontinence (53.96 ± 26.83) is striking when compared with the other results, followed by the measure of severity domain (43.78 ± 23.01). Conclusion: The studied population had a high prevalence of urinary complaints and their impact on the quality of life does not rule out the negative influence of the pathological picture.