Factors Associated with Urinary Incontinence in Female Weightlifters

Background/Objectives: Urinary incontinence (UI) is common among women practicing sports, particularly those involving heavy lifting or high-impact movements that increase intra-abdominal pressure. UI can negatively affect social life, self-confidence, and motivation to remain active. This study aimed to examine the associations of sociodemographic, training-related, obstetric and surgical factors with UI in female weightlifters. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 84 French women regularly practicing weightlifting. Participants completed a sociodemographic and gynecological questionnaire, along with the Urinary Symptom Profile (USP). Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U, Student’s t-test, Chi-square, and Fisher’s exact tests (95% confidence level). Results: Among participants (aged 15–49 years), 51 (60.7%) reported involuntary urine leakage, and 31 (36.9%) scored 1–3 on the USP stress incontinence subscale. Most participants were non-smokers (73.8%), with a median of 3.5 years of weightlifting experience, 4 weekly training sessions, and 6–7 competitions per year. No significant associations were found between UI and sociodemographic factors, obstetric history, previous surgeries, or training characteristics. Maximal lifts in Clean & Jerk and Snatch exercises were also similar between participants with and without UI. Slight trends suggested higher UI prevalence among women with vaginal deliveries, episiotomies, or vaginal lacerations. Conclusions: UI is common among female weightlifters, but in this study, was not associated with sociodemographic factors or weightlifting practices. These findings indicate that UI prevalence cannot be explained by the variables studied and highlight the need for further research into other potential contributing factors.