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01-06-2017 | Original Article

Relationship between pelvic floor muscle strength and sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study

Authors: Maíra de Menezes Franco, Patricia Driusso, Kari Bø, Daniela Cristina Carvalho de Abreu, Lucia Alves da Silva Lara, Ana Carolina Japur de Sá Rosa e Silva, Cristine Homsi Jorge Ferreira

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 6/2017

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women is high. Theoretically pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength could influence sexual function, but to date there is scant evidence on this topic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between PFM strength and sexual function in postmenopausal women. The relationship between reported urinary incontinence (UI) and sexual dysfunction was also investigated.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study including 113 postmenopausal women. PFM strength was evaluated using vaginal manometry. Sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). A score of ≤26.5 was considered to indicate sexual dysfunction. Urinary incontinence reports were evaluated using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence (ICIQ-UI) Short Form. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (ρ), the Mann–Whitney test and 95 % confidence intervals.

Results

The median age of the women was 53 years (range 42 – 65 years) and their median body mass index was 27.9 kg/m² (range 20 – 42 kg/m²). Women without sexual dysfunction showed significantly higher PFM strength (median 41.8, range 11.3 – 94.0 cmH₂O) than women with sexual dysfunction (median 30.3, range 3 – 112 cmH₂O; p = 0.02). A weak correlation was found between the total FSFI score and the total ICIQ-UI score (ρ = −0.21, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction showed lower PFM strength than women without sexual dysfunction. There was a weak correlation between urinary incontinence severity and sexual function.

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Title: Relationship between pelvic floor muscle strength and sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Maíra de Menezes Franco
Patricia Driusso
Kari Bø
Daniela Cristina Carvalho de Abreu
Lucia Alves da Silva Lara
Ana Carolina Japur de Sá Rosa e Silva
Cristine Homsi Jorge Ferreira
Publication date: 01-06-2017
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 6/2017
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-016-3211-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Relationship between pelvic floor muscle strength and sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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