Effect of Stretching versus Breathing Exercises on Self-reported Pain for Women with Genito-pelvic Pain Penetration Disorder

Abstract

Background: Genito-pelvic pain penetration disorder is a common and neglected problem that can affect a woman's quality of life. Aim of the study: Evaluate the effect of stretching versus breathing exercises on self-reported pain with penetration during sexual intercourse for women with genito-pelvic pain penetration disorder. Method: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 150 women who were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data was collected at the gynecology outpatient clinic at Zagazig University Hospital and a private clinic. The evaluation was performed via a structured interview questionnaire and the Marinoff Pain Intensity Scale before the start of the study and at the end of the intervention exercises. Results: The two groups showed a significant decrease (P <0.001) in the women self-reported pain intensity upon penetration during sexual intercourse, while there was a more noted decrease in the stretching group compared to the breathing group (P <0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that stretching exercises have a significant role in reducing the self-reported pain intensity of penetration during sexual intercourse and pelvic floor muscle spasm for women with genito-pelvic pain penetration disorder.