PELVIC floor dysfunction (PFD) is a common yet under-recognised condition that includes urinary and faecal incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic organ prolapse. It can greatly affect quality of life, particularly among individuals with obesity or metabolic risk factors. A new systematic review and meta-analysis has shown that healthy diets, especially those rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as the Mediterranean and DASH diets, can significantly improve pelvic floor health and related symptoms.
The Impact of Healthy Diets on Pelvic Health
The study analysed data from 31 international studies involving over 10,000 participants to explore the link between healthy diets and PFD outcomes. The dietary patterns assessed included the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, the Healthy Plant-Based Diet Index (hPDI), and anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory dietary models.
Findings revealed that anti-inflammatory and plant-rich diets were associated with reduced symptoms of sexual dysfunction and incontinence. The Mediterranean diet, known for its high intake of olive oil, nuts, whole grains, and polyphenols, was particularly effective in improving sexual function, likely through enhanced vascular health and reduced systemic inflammation. Likewise, the DASH diet was found to alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms and urgency urinary incontinence, possibly through its effects on blood pressure regulation and weight control.
In contrast, pro-inflammatory diets high in processed foods, sugars, and saturated fats were strongly associated with an increased risk of urinary and faecal incontinence. These results highlight how inflammation and diet quality jointly influence pelvic floor function and overall wellbeing.
Clinical Significance and Lifestyle Implications
The findings emphasise the importance of healthy diets as a simple, non-pharmacological intervention for managing pelvic floor dysfunction. For patients with metabolic syndrome or obesity, adopting an anti-inflammatory eating pattern could improve both pelvic and general health outcomes.
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to integrate nutritional counselling into PFD treatment plans, prioritising balanced, evidence-based dietary approaches such as the Mediterranean or DASH diet. These healthy diets target inflammation, vascular health, and weight management—offering a holistic and sustainable strategy for improving pelvic floor function and quality of life.
Reference
Xing D et al. Healthy dietary patterns improve sexual function and incontinence symptoms: systematic review and meta-analysis of dietary patterns and dietary interventions. Front Nutr. 2025;12:1635909.
