The effect of pelvic floor muscle exercise on sexual function in women of reproductive age: A randomized controlled trial

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BACKGROUND: Sexuality is one of the most important elements of an individual's life. Pelvic floor muscles play a role in sexual function. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercise on sexual function in women of reproductive age. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in women of reproductive age. 77 women were randomly assigned to control (n = 39) and training (n = 38) groups. Pelvic floor muscle exercise training was provided to women in the training group, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was applied to both groups in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd months. RESULTS: There was no difference in the total FSFI scores between the groups at baseline and 1 month later. In the 2nd and 3rd month evaluations, there was a difference between the groups in the FSFI total score (P = .017; P = .001). In the in-group evaluation of the training group, the difference in the total FSFI score and all subscales except orgasm emerged in the 3rd month (P < .05). In the orgasm subscale score, a significant difference was found in the 1st month (P = .001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed the positive effect of regular pelvic floor exercise on sexual health. The effects on all subdimensions of the sexual health scale were found to occur in 6 weeks. Different studies have emphasized that pelvic floor muscle exercise affects sexual health. However, there are few studies conducted with women of reproductive age. Study results show that Regular pelvic floor exercise had a positive effect on sexual function. Incorporating these exercises into sexual health education programs for women could improve their sexual health.