The Effect of Postpartum Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Female Sexual Function: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

According to the high prevalence of sexual disorders, this study was performed to determine the effects of pelvic floor muscle training on sexual function in postpartum women. A pragmatic, multi-center, single-blind, non-inferiority randomized controlled trial (RCT), women with sexual dysfunction at 3 to 6 months postpartum were divided into two groups: the pelvic floor muscle training intervention for two sessions, once a week for two hours (n = 40), and the postpartum usual care (PUC) group (n = 40), who was referred to healthcare centers in Babol from December 2020 to May 2021. They were randomly assigned to the two groups. Demographic information and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used. After 8 weeks, all participants completed the FSFI again. Data were analyzed using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics and pre-intervention FSFI scores. But after 8 weeks, the FSFI total scores (p = 0.001) and the scores of subscales such as desire (p = 0.001), arousal (p < 0.001), orgasm (p = 0.009), and satisfaction (p = 0.004) were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the PUC group. Pelvic floor muscle training can improve a woman’s sexual function after childbirth.

Keywords:

• Sexual function
• sexual health promotion
• postpartum
• training
• Kegel exercise

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the staff of two comprehensive health centers: Sultan Mohammad Taher and Shahid Modares that who invited the women to enter the study. Also, we thank Midwife Ms. Hosainzade who helped with sampling, and the outcome assessor.

Authors’ contributions

BS, AN. and NAF., conceived and designed the study, NAF., BS, F M., AJR., S A, reviewed the literature, analyzed and interpreted data, drafted and prepared the manuscript. The final manuscript was approved by all authors.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are not publicly available due [to individual privacy could be compromised] but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This paper is retrieved from the thesis of a general medical student at Babol University of Medical Sciences. The Deputy Research of Babol University of Medical Sciences supported the funding (Grant Number: 724132404).