Health concerns for Women in Connection to Exercise and sport

Why should a coach be concerned with the pelvic floors of the athletes they supervise? At least 40% of athletes have pelvic floor problems, such as urine leakage, making them more susceptible than the overall population. Due to the increased strain on these muscles, athletes who participate in high-impact sports like gymnastics and tramp lining are most affected.

Health concerns for Women

The bladder, colon, and uterus are supported by the pelvic floor, a set of muscles and ligaments that span the pelvis from the pubic bone to the coccyx.  The urethra and the anus have two openings in the pelvic floor in men, while the vagina has a third entrance in females.

The pelvic floor muscles are around the breadth of your palm, or one centimeter thick. These muscles contract when we exercise, laugh, sneeze, or cough, which helps us maintain continence or keeps us dry.

In those with pelvic floor , these activities may lead to leakage by putting more strain on the pelvic floor. Because of the baby, the placenta, and the amniotic fluid, the pelvic floor has to support a lot more weight when a woman is pregnant.

In addition, the release of the hormone that enables joints to become looser for childbirth can cause the ligaments in the pelvic floor to become stretched Childbirth has the greatest impact on the pelvic floor muscles, as when the baby passes through the pelvis, the muscles are stretched and can be significantly damaged. This can result in complications such as postpartum urinary incontinence.

Athletes are prone to pelvic floor, but there are two differing theories as to why this is the case As coaches and trainers learn more about this topic, they are taking more progressive approaches in which pelvic floor work is integrated into an athlete's strength and conditioning work instead of being seen as separate work done to fix problems when they happen. 

What are the barriers to female participation in sports?

There are many barriers that can prevent women and girls from participating in sport, including social and cultural norms, a lack of access to facilities and resources, and gender discrimination. Some of the specific barriers that may prevent female participation in sports include:

1. Stereotypes and expectations: In many societies, there are often gender stereotypes that associate certain activities or sports with men or boys and others with women or girls. These stereotypes can discourage girls from trying certain sports or from pursuing careers in sports.

2. Limited access to facilities and resources: Women and girls may have limited access to facilities and resources that are necessary for participating in sport, such as fields, courts, or equipment.

3. Lack of role models: It can be difficult for women and girls to find role models in sport, especially if there are few women or girls participating in high-level competitions. This can make it harder for them to see themselves as successful athletes and discourage them from pursuing careers in sport.

4. Harassment and discrimination: Women and girls may face harassment and discrimination in sports, both from their peers and from those in positions of authority. This can create a hostile environment that makes it difficult for them to feel comfortable and welcome in sports.

5. Limited opportunities for participation: There may be limited opportunities for women and girls to participate in sport, either due to a lack of programmes or a lack of funding for those programs.

6. Lack of supportive policies: There may be a lack of policies or initiatives that support the participation of women and girls in sport, such as e-programs or equal access to facilities.

Overcoming these barriers is important for promoting gender equality in sports and ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to participate and thrive in sports.

What are two specific nutritional concerns for female athletes?

There are several nutritional concerns that are specific to female athletes, including the following:

1. Iron deficiency: Female athletes are at higher risk of iron deficiency, particularly if they have heavy menstrual periods or engage in endurance sports. Iron is important for carrying oxygen to the muscles, so a deficiency can lead to fatigue, impaired performance, and other health problems. To prevent iron deficiency, female athletes should consume iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, beans, and fortified cereals and may also benefit from taking an iron supplement.

2. Calcium and vitamin D: Female athletes, particularly those who are vegetarian or have a low intake of dairy products, may be at risk of inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake. These nutrients are important for bone health and can help prevent osteoporosis and stress fractures. To ensure adequate intake, female athletes should consume calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods and may also benefit from taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement.

It is important for female athletes to pay attention to their nutritional needs and ensure that they are getting enough of these and other essential nutrients to support their training and performance. Consulting a sports dietitian can be helpful in developing a well-balanced and nutrient-dense meal plan that meets the unique needs of female athletes.