| Background: Dyspareunia is a pain that is occurs in the genital area before, during or
after intercourse and is an important factor for sexual dysfunction. The aim of this study
was to evaluate the effect of pelvic floor physical therapy on sexual function and muscle strength and endurance of pelvic floor (as a non-invasive therapy) in women with
dyspareunia.
Methods: In this clinical trial study, 32 women in the age range of 20-50-year-old and
sexually active with complaints of dyspareunia, before the investigation were examined
in terms of genital health and strength and endurance of the pelvic floor muscles. After
the confidence of mental health, patients underwent pelvic floor rehabilitation for 10
sessions during 3 months. After assessment, myofascial release techniques and progressive pelvic floor muscles exercise was performed for patients based on their primary
strength. Finally, patients were compared in terms of the severity of dyspareunia, sexual
performance status (by using female sexual function index questionnaire), improvement
of symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance before (first session of physiotherapy) and after (after 3 months) investigation.
Results: In the remaining 32 patients with dyspareunia with a mean age of 38±1.24
years, desire index score 0.95 unit, arousal index score 1.01 unit, lubrication index
score 0.67 unit, orgasm index score 0.71 unit, satisfaction index score 1.03 unit, pain
index score was increased 1.05 unit, strength index score 2.44 unit, endurance index
score 7.06 unit were increased in comparison to before the investigation that showed a
significant different with P< 0.0001.
Conclusion: According to obtained results, pelvic floor physical therapy had a significant effect in women with dyspareunia. So that the severity of dyspareunia, pelvic floor
muscle strength and endurance had clinically significant improvement after pelvic floor
physiotherapy. |