Impact of pelvic floor muscle strength on female sexual function: retrospective multicentric cross-sectional study

Introduction and hypothesis The female pelvic floor muscles (PFM) play an important role in sexual function. We hypothesize that there is a relation between PFM strength and sexual function in women with and without sexual dysfunction. Methods Retrospective multicentric cross-sectional study includi...

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Published in:International Urogynecology Journal 2022-06, Vol.33 (6), p.1591-1599
Main Authors: Pasqualotto, Luísa, Riccetto, Cássio, Biella, Ana Flávia, Marques, Joseane, Pereira, Larissa Carvalho, Alves, Fabíola Kênia, Lunardi, Anna Lygia Barbosa, de Vasconcelos Adami, Délcia Barbosa, Nagib, Anita, Martinho, Natalia, Piccini, Adriana, Sathler, Tirza, Silva, Valeria Regina, Botelho, Simone
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Body mass index
Cross-sectional studies
Disability
Epidemiology
Family income
Gynecology
Medical records
Medical research
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Muscle strength
Orgasm
Original Article
Pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvis
Questionnaires
Rehabilitation
Urology
Vagina
Womens health
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Summary:Introduction and hypothesis The female pelvic floor muscles (PFM) play an important role in sexual function. We hypothesize that there is a relation between PFM strength and sexual function in women with and without sexual dysfunction. Methods Retrospective multicentric cross-sectional study including women with and without sexual dysfunction [Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) cutoff point < 26.55], analyzed by age range, considering demographic, clinical, anthropometric and PFM strength [Modified Oxford Scale (MOS)] data. Chi-square, Mann-Whitney test and linear regression (ranks) were used, with 5% significance (SAS 9.4). Results Out of 1013 medical records, 982 women with an average age of 45.76 (± 15.25) were included in the study. Of these, 679 (69.14%) presented FSFI score  4 minimum wages, body mass index < 25 kg/m 2 , lower parity, regular physical activity practitioner and higher PFM strength (MOS: 4–5). Desire, arousal, lubrication and orgasm domains were higher among women with MOS 4–5, while satisfaction and pain domains were higher among those with MOS 3–5. Conclusion Demographic, clinical and anthropometric conditions can influence both PFM strength and female sexual function. Our findings demonstrate that women with higher PFM strength present fewer complaints about sexual dysfunction.
ISSN:0937-3462
1433-3023
DOI:10.1007/s00192-021-05032-1