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23-01-2022 | Original Article

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

Authors: Luísa Pasqualotto, Cássio Riccetto, Ana Flávia Biella, Joseane Marques, Larissa Carvalho Pereira, Fabíola Kênia Alves, Anna Lygia Barbosa Lunardi, Délcia Barbosa de Vasconcelos Adami, Anita Nagib, Natalia Martinho, Adriana Piccini, Tirza Sathler, Valeria Regina Silva, Simone Botelho

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 6/2022

Abstract

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 < 26.55, while 303 (30.86%) presented FSFI ≥ 26.55. It was identified that the higher scores were among white women, < 45 years old, single, with higher education, family income > 4 minimum wages, body mass index < 25 kg/m², 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.

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Title: Impact of pelvic floor muscle strength on female sexual function: retrospective multicentric cross-sectional study
Authors: Luísa Pasqualotto
Cássio Riccetto
Ana Flávia Biella
Joseane Marques
Larissa Carvalho Pereira
Fabíola Kênia Alves
Anna Lygia Barbosa Lunardi
Délcia Barbosa de Vasconcelos Adami
Anita Nagib
Natalia Martinho
Adriana Piccini
Tirza Sathler
Valeria Regina Silva
Simone Botelho
Publication date: 23-01-2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 6/2022
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-021-05032-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

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

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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