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.
Keywords: Muscle strength; Pelvic floor; Pelvic floor disorders; Rehabilitation; Sexual dysfunction; Sexual health.
© 2021. The International Urogynecological Association.