Gynecological and urological disorders among female sailors during offshore racing: concerning 10 participants in the 2013 Mini-Transat

Background: Over the years, the number of women crew members on board racing yachts has been increasing.However, offshore racing does not distinguish between the performance of men and women.Objectives: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the gynaecological and urological health issues encountered by female skippers in the 2013 Mini Transat.Material and method: This is a descriptive study, based on questionnaires and medical examinations.The latter were performed before the start of the race, at Douarnenez, at the beginning of October 2013 and completed at Pointe à Pitre at the end of November 2013.Ten female skippers, aged between 26 and 53 years, were included.Results: The absence of contraception was noted in 50% of cases, the occurrence of acute simple cystitis in three out of ten cases which was associated with a lack of hydration and poorer intimate hygiene than when on land.There were no emergency gynaecological disorders to treat during the race.Frequent episodes of buttocks folliculitis were identified.Conclusion: These different aspects led us to consider performing a gynaecological examination before the start of an offshore race, with screening for pregnancy, and also improving the antibiotic treatments contained in the on-board medicine chest.