The effect of antenatal pelvic floor muscle exercise on sexual function and labour and birth outcomes: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME) are recommended for treatment of urinary incontinence with less evidence available about the effect on female sexual function (FSF) and childbirth.

Aim: To investigate the effect of antenatal PFME on FSF during pregnancy and the first three months following birth as a primary outcome, and on labour and birth outcomes as a secondary outcome.

Method: 200 nulliparous women were randomised to control (n = 100) and intervention (n = 100) groups. The women in the intervention group (IG) undertook PFME from 20 weeks gestation until birth and had routine antenatal care, while those in the control group (CG) received routine antenatal care only. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to measure FSF at 36 weeks gestation and three months postnatal. Baseline characteristics and childbirth data were also collected and analysed using SPSS.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of FSF scores during pregnancy and on childbirth outcomes. Sexual satisfaction was slightly higher in the CG [Mean ± SD, CG: 4.35 ± 1.45 vs. IG: 3.70 ± 1.50, (P = 0.03)] at three months after birth. However, 50% of women adhered to the PFME, and 40% of women did not resume sex by three months after the birth.

Conclusion: Though some trends were observed, the results showed no effect of PFME on sexual function or labour and birth outcomes. This needs to be interpreted considering the 50% adherence to PFME. More research is recommended.

Keywords: Childbirth; Labour; Pelvic floor muscle exercises; Perineal trauma; Pregnancy.