Evaluation of pelvic floor muscle strength and the impact of its rehabilitation on sexual function in females

Abstract EN

Objective : To assess pelvic floor muscles (PFM) strength in sexually active females to evaluate their role in sexual function as well as the role of PFM rehabilitation on their strength and its impact on sexual function.

Methodology : The sexual function of thirty sexually active females was evaluated according to the Female Sexual Function Index.

Females with history and/or clinical examination suggestive of neurological, psychological, systemic, local disease, previous surgery or drug intake were excluded.

PFM was tested manually by anal palpation and vaginal manometer.

Subjects were assigned to a 3 week program of PFM exercises and biofeedback to strengthen PFMs.

Subjects were re-assessed at the end of this program.

Results : Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) total score ranged from 17.3-33.8 (mean 23.9 ± 4.5) from 36.

Desire score 2.4-6 (mean 4 ± 0.9), Arousal score 1.3-6 (mean 3.5 ± 1), Lubrication score 2.4-6 (mean 4 ± 0.9), Orgasm score 2.4-5.6 (mean 3.9 ± 0.8), Pain score 1-6 (mean 3.7 ± 1.5), Satisfaction score 1.6-5.4 (mean 4 ± 0.8), all from 6.

Manual muscle testing using the modified Oxford scale by anal palpation showed 10 subjects were grade 3, 6 grade 4, 14 grade 5 and none grade 1 or 2.

Vaginal manometer ranged 9-75 (mean 36.43 ± 22.443).

There was a statistically high significant positive correlation between assessment of PFM through anal palpation and vaginal manometry and such on one hand and FSFI total score, arousal score, orgasm score, satisfaction score and partner satisfaction with vaginal grip.

There was a statistically high significant improvement in FSFI, desire score, lubrication and orgasm scores and total satisfaction score between pre- and post- rehabilitation values.

Pre-rehabilitation 33.3% of the subjects had urinary leakage during intercourse, decreasing to 13.3% post-rehabilitation.

Conclusions : PFM play an important role in sexual function in females.

A good method of assessment of PFM strength can be by anal palpation.

PFM rehabilitation significantly improves PFM strength and improves sexual function.