Correlation Between Sexual Function and Strength of the Pelvic Floor Muscles in Women With Dyspareunia [6G

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Dyspareunia is defined as persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just prior to, during or after sexual intercourse, causing intense suffering or interpersonal conflict. Evaluating sexual function and strength of the pelvic floor muscles represents an important element when assessing dysfunctions such as dyspareunia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 50 sexually active women of 18-35 years of age, 25 with dyspareunia and 25 without dyspareunia. Questionnaires were used to obtain the eligible women’s biological, sociodemographic and urogynecological characteristics. The Female Sexual Function Index was used to evaluate sexual function. Clinical evaluation of the pelvic floor was conducted to verify the presence of perineal contraction, with dynamometry being performed immediately afterwards. The Shapiro-Wilk and Mann-Whitney tests were used in the statistical analysis, together with Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Significance was established as 5%. RESULTS: Dynamometric measurements of superficial (p=0.01) and deep muscle strength (p=0.04) during pelvic floor muscle contraction were also lower in the dyspareunia group. A fair positive correlation (r=0.382; p=0.03) between the pain during sexual intercourse domain and dynamometric measurements of superficial muscle strength. CONCLUSION: A reduction was found in the dynamometric measurements of pelvic floor muscle strength in women with dyspareunia compared to those without dyspareunia and a correlation was found between pain and dynamometric measurements of superficial muscle strength.