Study Links Body Composition to Pelvic Floor Disorder Symptoms in Women

A recent study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland has unveiled a significant correlation between body composition and the symptoms of pelvic floor disorders in middle-aged women. This research, led by Doctoral Researcher Mari Kuutti, analyzed data from 376 women aged between 47 and 55 over a four-year period, highlighting how larger fat mass—particularly around the waist and visceral organs—can increase the risk of conditions such as stress urinary incontinence.

The study, published in the Journal of Menopause in June 2025, indicates that more than half of the participants reported symptoms associated with pelvic floor disorders, with stress urinary incontinence being the most prevalent. According to Kuutti, "We studied body adiposity, measured waist circumferences of the participants, and calculated body mass index. Then we analyzed the associations of these factors with the symptoms of pelvic floor disorders."

The findings show that total fat mass, android fat mass, gynoid fat mass, and trunk fat mass—all measured using advanced techniques like multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis and X-ray absorptiometry—were associated with the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. Notably, larger body mass index and waist circumference also correlated with these symptoms.

The prevalence of pelvic floor disorders is known to increase as women approach their menopausal years, influenced by factors such as estrogen deprivation, aging of tissues, reproductive history, and lifestyle choices. The research emphasizes that body composition is a modifiable risk factor, reflecting lifestyle choices that may impact the likelihood of experiencing pelvic floor disorder symptoms.

In a broader context, the study contributes to existing literature by moving beyond traditional measures of body composition, such as body mass index and waist circumference, to provide a more nuanced understanding of how specific fat distributions correlate with pelvic health. Previous research has largely focused on structural aspects of pelvic floor disorders without adequately addressing the role of body composition.

This longitudinal analysis is part of a larger ongoing project, the ERMA study, which aims to explore various health aspects related to menopause and aging. The implications of Kuutti's findings are significant, suggesting that preventative strategies could be developed focusing on lifestyle modifications to improve pelvic health among middle-aged women.

Furthermore, the results raise questions about the healthcare systems' role in addressing these disorders, particularly as they relate to women's health during and after the transition into menopause. As Kuutti notes, "Changes in body composition during the four-year follow-up were not associated with changes in the symptoms of pelvic floor disorders, indicating a potential gap in understanding how lifestyle interventions can effectively mitigate these symptoms."

The study's conclusions underline the importance of further research into the associations between body composition and pelvic floor health, paving the way for future studies that may lead to improved health outcomes for women experiencing these conditions. As the discourse around women's health continues to evolve, this research provides a critical insight into the multifaceted nature of pelvic floor disorders and the importance of addressing body composition as part of a comprehensive health strategy.