The Effects of Pelvic Floor Muscle PFM Training on Sexual Function of Postmenopausal Women

Backgrounds: Sexual problems are of major concern during menopause, and have a negative impact on quality of life among postmenopausal women. These issues could be counteracted with appropriate interventions, and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training could be one of them. This study aimed to investigate the effects of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises on sexual function in postmenopausal women.Material and Method : The study was a randomized clinical trial conducted among 97 postmenopausal women, aged 40 to 60 years, who were residents of Chalous and Noshahr, Iran. The participants’ baseline sexual functions were assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire over the course of face-to-face interviews. They were then randomly designated to two groups: (1) the intervention group, which received specific instructions on PFM exercises and was followed up on a weekly basis; and (2) the control group, which received general information on menopause. After 12 weeks, the sexual functions of the participants were reassessed. Data were analyzed using the statistical analyses of t-test, chi-square, Mann–Whitney U-test, ANCOVA, and multiple linear regression.Result: No significant difference was initially observed between the two groups in terms of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and total scores of FSFI. After the intervention, however, the scores of arousal, orgasm and satisfaction were significantly higher in the intervention group (3.10, 4.36, and 4.84 vs. 2.75, 3.89, and 4.36 respectively; P < 0.05). PFM exercises were a predictive factor for the variation in the scores of satisfaction. Comparing to the control group, the intervention group considered their education more effective in improving the conditions of menopause and sexual relations.Conclusion: PFM exercises have the potential to improve the sexual function in certain domains (arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction) among postmenopausal women and are thus suggested to be included in healthcare packages designed for postmenopausal women