Luísa Pasqualotto1, Cássio Riccetto2, Ana Flávia Biella2, Joseane Marques2, Larissa Carvalho Pereira2, Fabíola Kênia Alves2, Anna Lygia Barbosa Lunardi2, Délcia Barbosa de Vasconcelos Adami2,3, Anita Nagib2,4, Natalia Martinho2,4,5, Adriana Piccini1, Tirza Sathler1,6, Valeria Regina Silva2,7, Simone Botelho8,9,10. 1. Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Motor Science Institute, Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. 2. State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), School of Medical Sciences, Postgraduate Program in Surgical Science, São Paulo, Campinas, Brazil. 3. Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (PUC MINAS), Poços de Caldas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. 4. University Center of the Associated Teaching Faculties (UNIFAE), São João da Boa Vista, São Paulo, Brazil. 5. Regional University Center of Espírito Santo do Pinhal (UNIPINHAL), Espírito Santo do Pinhal, São Paulo, Brazil. 6. College Madre Thais (FMT), Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. 7. University José do Rosário Vellano (UNIFENAS), Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. 8. Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL-MG), Motor Science Institute, Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. simone.botelho@unifal-mg.edu.br. 9. State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), School of Medical Sciences, Postgraduate Program in Surgical Science, São Paulo, Campinas, Brazil. simone.botelho@unifal-mg.edu.br. 10. UroFisioterapia Laboratory of the Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL/MG), Av. Jovino Fernandes Sales, 2600 Santa Clara, Bulding C, Room 101-K, Alfenas, MG, 37130-000, Brazil. simone.botelho@unifal-mg.edu.br.
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.
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.
Authors: Caroline S Martinez; Fernanda V Ferreira; Antonio A M Castro; Liana B Gomide Journal: Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand Date: 2014-05 Impact factor: 3.636