Sexual functioning is not, but psychological burden is predictive for seeking help in pelvic physical therapy practice: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background. Pelvic floor complaints are common among women and often accompanied by sexual dysfunction and psychological burden. They are also associated with pregnancy and childbirth. However, not all women with these complaints seek help in pelvic physical therapy practice. This study explored if pregnancy, parity, pelvic floor complaints, sexual functioning, and psychological burden are predictive of seeking help in pelvic physical therapy practice. Methods. In a cross-sectional exploratory design, women completed an online survey about pelvic floor complaints, sexual function, and psychological burden. Binary logistic analysis was used to analyze the predictive value of the above-mentioned factors. Results. Data from 542 participants were analyzed. Pregnancy and parity, PFC severity, psychological burden, and the interaction between pelvic floor complaints and psychological burden were significant predictors of seeking help. Against expectations, sexual functioning was not predictive of seeking help. Conclusions. Women’s psychological burden is an important factor in determining if or when women seek help in PPT practice. More research is needed to unravel the role of sexual functioning in the context of pelvic floor complaints and women’s psychological burden. More insight into this area of expertise could possibly improve and enhance pelvic health care for women with pelvic floor complaints.