Impact of biofeedback therapy for pelvic floor-related constipation to improve sexual function.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of biofeedback therapy on constipation to improve sexual function among the female population with pelvic floor hypertonicity.
BACKGROUND: It appears that pelvic floor disorder could lead to sexual complaints. Unfortunately, there are few data on the correlation between pelvic floor-related constipation and sexual disorders. The biofeedback role as a conservative method in improving the health status in these patients is conflicting.
METHODS: Forty-two eligible women were included in the study. The exclusion criteria were not being sexually active, not having functional constipation according to Rome IV criteria, and having other psychiatric issues, according to DSM4TR criteria. All participants were treated using biofeedback in eight sessions, during two months. Before and after the treatment, they were analyzed by pelvic floor impact questionnaire, pelvic floor Distress Inventory, and Short Scale Personal Experiences Questionnaire (SPE Q).
RESULTS: Biofeedback significantly improved orgasm, arousal, and dyspareunia (respectively P = 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.001). However, there was no significant improvement in libido and partner satisfaction domains (respectively P = 0.132, P = 0.341). Significant negative correlations were detected between the age and sexual function. On the other hand, there was no negative relationship between vaginal delivery as well as cesarean delivery and different components of sexual function.
CONCLUSION: It seems the improvement in pelvic floor muscle hypertonicity leads to sexual satisfaction. Nevertheless, more data are required to prove this correlation. ©2020 RIGLD, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases.