The role of pelvic floor muscle exercise in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction

Author(s): A. Willans - Pages: 22–29

Abstract

The pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) have close links with the sexual organs, and PFM exercise (PFME) has been recommended for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) on the basis of anecdotal evidence. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effect of this form of exercise on FSD. Eight relevant research papers were identified and analysed. Study heterogeneity prevented a metaanalysis, and therefore, key themes are discussed instead. Five papers investigated the effect of PFME on women with incontinence. Although there was a general trend of improvements in FSD, most authors were unable to quantify their results. Two studies reported significant (P ≤ 0.01) improvements in desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm and satisfaction. Conflicting evidence was identified with regard to the effect of PFME on sexual pain disorders: although one study described a significant (P ≤ 0.01) improvement in this area, others reported no difference or even adverse results. The authors of a well-executed randomized controlled trial involving post-partum women found significant (P ≤ 0.01) improvements in lubrication, orgasm and arousal. Many of these studies were open to bias. It appears likely that PFME can improve arousal, lubrication, orgasm and desire in post-partum women and those with incontinence. However, the use of PFME to treat sexual pain disorders remains contentious. Further high-quality studies that focus on the impact of PFME on subtypes of FSD are required in order to quantify the effects of this form of treatment.

Keywords: exercise, female sexual dysfunction, pelvic floor muscles.