About 80% of Female Combat Athletes Experience Urinary Incontinence or Anxiety

Mitsui Medical Japan Co., Ltd. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Katsuko Mitsui), which develops and sells medical devices related to pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence, conducted a survey on the reality of urinary incontinence during competition from June 18 to 26, 2026. The survey targeted 85 women who practice judo, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and mixed martial arts (MMA) at least once a month.

Before the summer season, which includes major tournaments such as the All-Japan University Wrestling Championship and the All-Japan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship, the survey found that 78% (66 people) experience urinary incontinence or changes in urinary sensation during competition, or feel anxious about it. Furthermore, 61% (40 people) of these respondents stated that urinary incontinence or anxiety about it affects their match performance or ranking.

Approximately 80% of female combat athletes experience or feel anxious about urinary incontinence or changes in urinary sensation during competition

78% of female combat athletes in judo, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and MMA have experienced urinary incontinence and feel anxious about it (Mitsui Medical Japan survey)

When asked if they have experienced "urinary incontinence" or "significant changes in urinary sensation" during competition (practice or match), 21% (18 people) of the 85 women who practice judo, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and MMA at least once a month responded "frequently," 40% (34 people) responded "occasionally," and 16% (14 people) responded "rarely but feel anxious." Combining these responses, it was found that 78% (66 people) experience or feel anxious about urinary incontinence or changes in urinary sensation during competition.

Judo, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and MMA are sports that involve grappling, throwing techniques, and breakfalls, which often result in sudden increases in abdominal pressure. The survey revealed that urinary incontinence or changes in urinary sensation during competition is not just a problem for some athletes but a challenge faced by many female combat athletes.

The most common scenario is "when throwing"

67% of female combat athletes who have experienced or feel anxious about urinary incontinence reported that it is most likely to occur "when throwing" (Mitsui Medical Japan survey)

When asked "In what specific situations do you experience urinary incontinence or changes in urinary sensation?" (multiple answers allowed) to the 66 respondents who answered "urinary incontinence occurs" or "I feel anxious," the most common response was "when throwing" at 67% (44 people), followed by "when grappling or making contact" at 42% (28 people), "when hitting the mat" at 23% (15 people), and "when being pressured by an opponent" at 17% (11 people).

In combat sports, there are many situations where abdominal pressure increases momentarily as athletes brace themselves or maintain their posture during the exchange with an opponent. In particular, feeling urinary incontinence or urinary sensation when "throwing" an opponent can have an impact on match performance and ranking.

Approximately 60% responded that it "affects match performance or ranking"

61% of female combat athletes reported that urinary incontinence issues affect their match performance (Mitsui Medical Japan survey)

When asked "Do you feel that this anxiety or urinary incontinence affects your match performance or ranking?" to the 66 respondents, 20% (13 people) responded "significantly," and 41% (27 people) responded "yes," totaling 61% (40 people) who felt that it affects match performance or ranking. Additionally, urinary incontinence or changes in urinary sensation not only cause physical problems but also lead to responses such as "I have become conscious of specific movements" at 59% (39 people) and "my concentration decreases" at 52% (34 people), indicating that it also affects match concentration and athletic performance.

Urinary incontinence may also lead to decreased match concentration

Approximately half of female combat athletes responded that they control water intake even after weigh-ins, and approximately 40% "mentally endure" it

Approximately half of female combat athletes responded that they control water intake even after weigh-ins (Mitsui Medical Japan survey)

When asked "What measures are you currently taking against urinary incontinence or changes in urinary sensation?" (multiple answers allowed), the most common response was "using sanitary napkins" at 50% (33 people), followed by "controlling water intake even after weigh-ins" at 47% (31 people), "mentally enduring" at 38% (25 people), "going to the toilet multiple times before the match" at 15% (10 people), and "not taking any special measures" at 6% (4 people).

While approximately half of female combat athletes take measures considering the nature of the sport, such as controlling water intake even after weigh-ins, approximately 40% responded that they "mentally endure" it, indicating that there are athletes who continue their sport without taking sufficient measures.

The most common person to consult is family, with only about 10% consulting medical professionals

Nearly 40% have consulted with family. Only about 10% have consulted with medical professionals (Mitsui Medical Japan survey)

When asked "Have you ever consulted anyone about this concern?," the most common response was "consulted with family" at 39% (26 people), followed by "consulted with fellow athletes" at 27% (18 people), "consulted with medical professionals" at 12% (8 people), "consulted with coaches" at 11% (7 people), and "have not consulted anyone" at 11% (7 people).

While there are a certain number of people who consult with family or fellow athletes, only about 10% have consulted with medical professionals. It appears that there are many athletes who are experiencing urinary incontinence or changes in urinary sensation but are not receiving specialized consultation or care.

70% are interested in underwear that supports the pelvic floor muscles, with "ease of movement" being the most important factor

70% of respondents are interested in underwear that supports the pelvic floor muscles and reduces urinary issues (Mitsui Medical Japan survey)

Finally, when asked "If there were underwear that supports the pelvic floor muscles from below, reduces urinary incontinence, and helps with "posture stability" and "throwing and body stability," would you like to try it?" to the same 66 respondents, 17% (11 people) responded "very much," and 54% (36 people) responded "a little," totaling 71% (49 people) who would like to try it. On the other hand, 21% (14 people) responded "not necessary," and 8% (5 people) responded "not very interested."

The most desired feature of such underwear is "ease of movement." (Mitsui Medical Japan survey)

When asked "What functions do you want in such underwear?" (multiple answers allowed), the most common response was "ease of movement" at 48% (32 people), followed by "not noticeable (skin-colored, etc.)" and "comfortable to wear" both at 35% (23 people), and "posture stability during throwing and breakfalls" at 32% (21 people).

In addition to considering urinary incontinence, underwear worn during competition requires functions such as ease of movement and comfortable wearability that do not hinder athletic performance. It appears that there is a need for products that consider the nature of the sport.

[Doctor's Comment] Dr. Koichi Nagao, Director of Ginza Repro Clinic

Dr. Koichi Nagao, Director of Ginza Repro Clinic

So far, Mitsui Medical Japan has conducted surveys on urinary incontinence during competition targeting women who play golf, run marathons, and do strength training. In golf, abdominal pressure increases during the swing, in marathons, it increases with the impact of landing, and in strength training, it increases when lifting heavy weights. The feature of combat sports surveyed this time is that sudden strong abdominal pressure is applied due to grappling, throwing techniques, and breakfalls with an opponent.

The way the body is loaded varies depending on the sport, but the common point is that the pelvic floor muscles are repeatedly burdened. Urine