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International Urogynecology Journal

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01-07-2015 | Original Article

A strong pelvic floor is associated with higher rates of sexual activity in women with pelvic floor disorders

Authors: Gregg Kanter, Rebecca G. Rogers, Rachel N. Pauls, Dorothy Kammerer-Doak, Ranee Thakar

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 7/2015

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

We evaluated the associations between pelvic floor muscle strength and tone with sexual activity and sexual function in women with pelvic floor disorders.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a multicenter study of women with pelvic floor disorders from the USA and UK performed to validate the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, IUGA-Revised (PISQ-IR). Participants were surveyed about whether they were sexually active and completed the PISQ-IR and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires to assess sexual function. Physical examinations included assessment of pelvic floor strength by the Oxford Grading Scale, and assessment of pelvic floor tone as per ICS guidelines.

Results

The cohort of 585 women was middle-aged (mean age 54.9 ± 12.1) with 395 (67.5 %) reporting sexual activity. Women with a strong pelvic floor (n = 275) were more likely to report sexual activity than women with weak strength (n = 280; 75.3 vs 61.8 %, p < 0.001), but normal or hypoactive pelvic floor tone was not associated with sexual activity (68.8 vs 60.2 %, normal vs hypoactive, p = 0.08). After multivariable analysis, a strong pelvic floor remained predictive of sexual activity (OR 1.89, CI 1.18–3.03, p < 0.01). Among sexually active women (n = 370), a strong pelvic floor was associated with higher scores on the PISQ-IR domain of condition impact (parameter estimate 0.20± 0.09, p = 0.04), and the FSFI orgasm domain (PE 0.51 ± 0.17, p = 0.004).

Conclusion

A strong pelvic floor is associated with higher rates of sexual activity as well as higher sexual function scores on the condition impact domain of the PISQ-IR and the orgasm domain of the FSFI.

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Title: A strong pelvic floor is associated with higher rates of sexual activity in women with pelvic floor disorders
Authors: Gregg Kanter
Rebecca G. Rogers
Rachel N. Pauls
Dorothy Kammerer-Doak
Ranee Thakar
Publication date: 01-07-2015
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 7/2015
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-014-2583-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

A strong pelvic floor is associated with higher rates of sexual activity in women with pelvic floor disorders

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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