Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is highly prevalent and associated with substantial health and economic burden. In addition to established obstetric and age-related determinants, modifiable lifestyle factors including obesity and chronic constipation, play a significant role in its development and progression. Despite this, awareness of these associations in younger populations remains poorly characterised. The aim of this study was to assess university students’ knowledge of pelvic floor function and their awareness of modifiable lifestyle risk factors associated with PFD.

A cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous online questionnaire distributed to students registered at University College Cork during the 2021–2022 academic year. The survey assessed knowledge of pelvic floor anatomy, function, and dysfunction, as well as awareness of the effects of dietary fibre, constipation, obesity, and weight loss on pelvic floor health. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and knowledge levels were compared between students from the College of Medicine and Health and those from other disciplines using chi-square testing. Ethical approval was obtained from the Clinical Research Ethics Committee, Cork.

A total of 272 responses were received, of which 233 were included in the final analysis. Most participants reported no prior pelvic floor education during secondary school (205/232, 88.4%). Knowledge of fibre intake and constipation was high, with 192/233 (82.4%) recognising that fibre helps prevent constipation. However, awareness of pelvic floor implications was limited. Less than half recognised that a fibre-rich diet may contribute to PFD prevention (111/233, 47.6%). Chronic constipation was identified as a contributor to urinary leakage by 92/233 (39.5%), stool leakage by 79/233 (33.9%), and pelvic organ prolapse by 125/233 (53.6%). Obesity was recognised as a risk factor for urinary leakage by 136/233 (58.4%) and stool leakage by 100/233 (42.9%). Students from the College of Medicine and Health demonstrated significantly higher knowledge across most domains compared to students from other disciplines. Notably, most participants expressed interest in receiving further education on pelvic floor health (191/231, 82.7%).

This study demonstrates a clear disconnect between general health knowledge and pelvic floor–specific understanding. While students are familiar with dietary concepts such as fibre and constipation, this knowledge is not consistently translated into awareness of their impact on pelvic floor health. The marked difference between medical and non-medical students underscores the influence of formal education, while the high level of interest in further learning highlights a critical and addressable educational gap. These findings suggest that pelvic floor health is insufficiently integrated into general health education, even among an educated young population.

Substantial gaps in awareness of modifiable lifestyle risk factors for PFD exist among university students. Integrating pelvic floor health education into early and general curricula represents a high-yield, scalable opportunity to improve health literacy and support prevention strategies. Addressing these gaps early may contribute to reducing the long-term burden of pelvic floor dysfunction.