74% of Women Who Strength Train Report or Worry About Urinary Leakage

Mitsui Medical Japan Co., Ltd. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Keiko Mitsui), developer and marketer of the medical devices "Femicushion" and "Femicushion Happiness" for pelvic organ prolapse and urinary leakage, conducted a survey titled "Survey on Urinary Issues During Training" from June 18 to 20, 2026, targeting 100 women who engage in serious strength or high-intensity training at least once a month.

Over 70% of women who strength train report experiencing or worrying about urinary leakage (Mitsui Medical Japan survey)

In previous surveys by the company of female golfers, 62% (57 out of N=200) reported feeling anxious or experiencing issues such as urinary leakage or frequent urination during golf. Among women who strength train, this figure rose to 74% (74 out of N=100), exceeding the golfers' figure. As bodybuilding competition season intensifies, this highlights the "invisible conditioning challenges" faced by women engaging in heavy-weight training.

74% report experiencing or worrying about urinary issues during training

When asked whether they had ever experienced "urinary leakage" or "significant changes in urinary sensation" during training, 62% (62 out of 100) of the women who strength train responded "frequently" or "occasionally." Including those who answered "not often, but still worried," a total of 74% (74 people) reported experiencing or worrying about urinary issues during training.

Deadlifts most commonly trigger urinary issues, at 58%

60% of women who strength train report urinary leakage or urgency during deadlifts (Mitsui Medical Japan survey)

Among the 74 women who reported urinary issues or concerns, when asked specifically which training movements or exercises caused these problems, "deadlifts" ranked highest at 58% (43 people). This was followed by bench press, squats, and upper-body exercises such as barbell curls and shoulder press.

Deadlifts ranked No. 1 for causing urinary leakage during strength training (Mitsui Medical Japan survey)

"During movements like deadlifts, where heavy weights are lifted, people unconsciously hold their breath, creating strong intra-abdominal pressure that places significant strain on the pelvic floor muscles. These results reaffirm that even women seriously committed to strength training experience urinary issues they find difficult to talk about," said Keiko Mitsui, President of Mitsui Medical Japan.

80% recognize impact on training and performance

Urinary leakage issues affect training and competition performance (Mitsui Medical Japan survey)

When asked whether urinary issues or concerns affected their training performance, 80% (59 out of 74) responded that they "significantly affect" or "affect" their performance.

Nearly 60% reduce sets or reps due to urinary leakage issues (Mitsui Medical Japan survey)

In terms of specific impacts, "having no choice but to reduce sets or reps" was the most common response at 57% (42 people), followed by "needing to restrict training content" and "hesitating to attempt heavy weights."

40% use pads or absorbent underwear; 30% limit hydration

40% manage leakage with pads or underwear, 30% limit hydration (Mitsui Medical Japan survey)

Among the 74 women, when asked about current measures taken to address urinary issues or concerns, "using sanitary pads" was reported by 47% (35 people), and "using absorbent underwear or pads" by 43% (32 people). Additionally, 34% (25 people) said they "limit hydration immediately before training."

Especially in summer, when sweating is common, proper hydration during training is crucial. However, some women limit fluid intake due to concerns about urinary leakage, highlighting challenges in female athletes' condition management.

People confide in family, medical professionals, or trainers—but some tell no one

30% confide in family, but 20% tell no one (Mitsui Medical Japan survey)

Regarding whom they consulted about urinary issues or concerns, responses included "family" (20 people), "medical professionals" (18 people), and "gym trainers" (12 people). However, among the 74 women experiencing or worrying about urinary issues, 22% (16 people) said they had "never discussed it with anyone."

Reasons for not discussing included "embarrassment," "not wanting others at the gym or in my community to know," "not knowing who to talk to," and "fearing it might seem unrelated to training."

68% aware of pelvic floor strain; 77% interested in supportive underwear

Approximately 70% of women who strength train recognize that high-load training strains the pelvic floor muscles (Mitsui Medical Japan survey)

When asked whether they knew that heavy-weight or high-intensity training could strain the pelvic floor muscles, 68% (68 out of 100) responded "knew" or "vaguely aware."

Approximately 80% of women who strength train express interest in supportive underwear that supports the pelvic floor from below (Mitsui Medical Japan survey)

When asked about underwear designed to support the pelvic floor from below, 61% (61 people) responded they were "very" or "somewhat" interested in trying it. Among the 74 women with urinary issues or concerns, interest rose to 77% (57 people), indicating that "urinary leakage prevention" is a significant concern for women engaged in heavy-weight training.

[Physician Commentary – Supervised by Dr. Koichi Nagao, Director, Ginza Repro Surgery]

Dr. Koichi Nagao, Director, Ginza Repro Surgery

During high-weight training, intra-abdominal pressure increases significantly to stabilize the core. Exercises like deadlifts and squats place strong pressure on the abdomen, thereby increasing strain on the pelvic floor muscles.

In women, the pelvic floor muscles support the bladder and urethra to control urination. When abdominal pressure rises rapidly and the pelvic floor muscles cannot respond adequately, urinary leakage or changes in urinary sensation may occur.

Urinary issues are often endured in silence due to embarrassment, but they can affect training consistency and performance. If symptoms are concerning, individuals should avoid self-diagnosis and consult a medical professional or specialist.

About "Femicushion Happiness"

Femicushion Happiness: Pelvic floor muscle training pants also effective for urinary leakage prevention

"Femicushion Happiness" is a general medical device developed by Mitsui Medical Japan to support the pelvic floor muscles and assist with daily care for those troubled by urinary leakage. It is a supportive garment worn over underwear, featuring a unique oval-shaped structure that supports the pelvic floor from below.

The pelvic floor muscles are a crucial muscle group that supports the bladder and urethra. They can become strained due to childbirth, aging, lack of exercise, or prolonged standing, potentially leading to urinary leakage or lower abdominal discomfort. "Femicushion Happiness" offers an accessible option for daily pelvic floor care.

In addition to the standard type, an athlete-specific version with a shorter inseam designed for freedom of movement during training is also available. Washable and reusable, it is designed to be easily incorporated not only into daily life but also into athletic conditioning routines.

Product Name: "Femicushion Happiness" (Femicushion Happiness)

Price: 29,700 JPY (including consumption tax)

Medical Device Classification: General medical device

Registration Number: 13B2X10096000002

Sizes: I (waist circumference 60–80 cm) / II (70–90 cm) / III (80–100 cm) / IV (custom)

Colors: Beige / Black / Blue / Pink Beige

Sales Channels: Official Website: https://urogyne.jp/femicushion-happiness/

Rakuten Store: https://item.rakuten.co.jp/urogyne/6001001/

Amazon: https://x.gd/1iyv1

Yahoo! Shopping: https://store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/femcare/6001001.html

Comment from Keiko Mitsui, Developer of Femicushion Happiness (President, Mitsui Medical Japan Co., Ltd.)

Keiko Mitsui, President, Mitsui Medical Japan Co., Ltd.

This survey revealed that many women seriously engaged in strength training experience urinary issues or concerns during workouts. Especially during movements like deadlifts, unconscious breath-holding creates strong abdominal pressure, placing significant strain on the pelvic floor. I was surprised to learn that this may affect performance—such as reducing sets or reps, avoiding certain exercises, or hesitating to attempt heavier weights.

"Femicushion Happiness" features a unique oval structure that supports the pelvic floor from below. It can be worn over underwear and is washable and reusable, making it a practical support for both daily life and athletes.

"I want women to be able to focus on their sport without worrying about leakage."

Motivated by this belief, we are currently developing an athlete-specific version. Going forward, we aim to incorporate feedback from women engaged in strength training and body sculpting, as well as from athletes across various sports, to provide supportive options that help female athletes manage their condition and continue competing.

Survey Overview

Survey Name: Survey on Urinary Leakage Among Individuals Performing High-Intensity Training That Increases Intra-Abdominal Pressure

Target Group: 100 women nationwide who perform strength training or high-intensity training at least once a month

Training Types: Weightlifting, powerlifting, CrossFit, and serious free-weight training at gyms (e.g., squats and deadlifts using barbells or dumbbells of 10 kg or more)

Gender: Female

Age Groups: 20s to 40s

Survey Method: Online survey (self-administered questionnaire "Qiqumo")

Survey Period: June 18–20, 2026

Valid Responses: 100

Survey Conducted by: Mitsui Medical Japan Co., Ltd.

Age distribution of respondents: 20s (43%), 30s (38%), 40s (19%). Training levels: fitness enthusiasts (58%), competitive athletes (25%), university students (11%), others (6%).

Past Survey Findings:

• 62% report impact on focus and behavior due to "urinary leakage/trouble," yet nearly 70% have not discussed it with anyone

• 65% have limited hydration during marathons; 1 in 4 experienced leakage, and over half did not discuss it

Company Information

Company Name: Mitsui Medical Japan Co., Ltd.

Head Office: N&E BLD. 5F, 1-12-4 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Representative: President and Representative Director Keiko Mitsui

Founded: 2006

Business Activities: Development, manufacturing, and sales of medical devices

URL: https://mitsuimedical.com/

Pelvic organ prolapse support device "Femicushion": https://urogyne.jp/femicushion/

Pelvic floor muscle strengthening support "Femicushion Happiness": https://urogyne.jp/femicushion-happiness/

YouTube

Solutions for Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Urinary Leakage, and Frequent Urination "Femicushion, Femicushion Happiness": https://www.youtube.com/@TheFemicushion