Prevalence of Reproductive Disorders in Sportswomen

Abstract

Sport pertains to any form of competitive physical activity or game that aims to use, maintain or improve physical ability. In women, the reproductive system is used to produce eggs (ova) to be fertilized and to provide the space along with conditions to allow a baby to develop. The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of reproductive disorders in sportswomen. One hundred sportswomen with an age range between 18-25 (mean age= 23.7� 2.05) of various games and events like volleyball, athletics, swimming, shot put, hockey, handball, tennis, football, cricket and boxing were selected as a sample size from the Women Sports Department, University of the Punjab, Lahore. The findings of this study expressed that 46% of players were suffering from various gynaecological disorders after they participated in sports, whereas 54% of respondents were having normal functioning of their reproductive cycle. In conclusion, moderate physical activity and regular exercise can improve the reproductive health of female but heavy and strenuous exercise without appropriate rest is one of those factors which may endanger the normal functioning of the female reproductive cycle.

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“…Hepatic damage can be induced by an acute inflammatory response due to physical stress characterized by an increase in Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) [13]. TNF-α production in the liver is carried out by Kupffer cells, which are involved in inflammation and hepatocyte apoptosis through caspase activation [14]. Just like HIF-1α, TNF-α production in the liver is related to the pathogenesis of chronic hepatic inflammation that leads to fibrosis.…”

“…Just like HIF-1α, TNF-α production in the liver is related to the pathogenesis of chronic hepatic inflammation that leads to fibrosis. Stress due to physical activity is usually not realized by the individual and is often inevitable because it is a consequence of the work undertaken, such as in the case of sports athletes [14,15]. Physical activity done with a sufficient portion is beneficial in the metabolic process of the individual while if done with high intensity will cause an increase in cortisol production and oxidative stress [16,17].…”