Evaluation of pelvic floor muscle strength and its correlation with sexual function in primigravid and non-pregnant women: A cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: We aimed to compare pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and sexual function in primigravid and non-pregnant women and compare PFM strength between those who exhibited and did not exhibit sexual dysfunction. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. The sample consisted of 154 women, including 76 primigravid and 78 non-pregnant women. The inclusion criteria were as follows non-pregnant nulliparous women or primigravid women who were pregnant with a single foetus at least 14 weeks of gestational age and reported having sexual intercourse at least once during the last 4 weeks. The exclusion criteria were as follows inability to contract the PFMs and prior urogynaecologic surgery. PFM strength was assessed via vaginal palpation (using the Modified Oxford Scale) and vaginal squeeze pressure (using the Peritron™ manometer). Sexual function was assessedusing the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Sexual dysfunction was identified based on low FSFI scores.The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whiney and Spearman correlation tests. RESULTS: To discussion, primigravid women had lower FSFI scores and lower PFM strength than non-pregnant women. Women with sexual dysfunction had lower PFM strength than women without sexual dysfunction, as indicated by vaginal palpation (scores of 2 out of 5 and 4 out of 5, respectively; P < 0.001) and vaginal squeeze pressure (17.5 and 36.8 cm H2 O, P < 0.001, respectively)regardless of whether they were non-pregnant nulliparous women and primigravid. CONCLUSIONS: Primigravid women exhibited worse sexual function and lower PFM strength than non-pregnant women. Women who had higher FSFI scores demonstrated greater PFM strength.