Effects of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Sexual Dysfunction, Sexual Satisfaction of Partners, Urinary Symptoms, and Pelvic Floor Muscle Strength in Women with Overactive Bladder: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background In women with overactive bladder (OAB), sexual dysfunctions and sexual satisfaction of their partners have been problems that are as important as urinary symptoms. Aim To investigate the effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction of partners, urinary symptoms, and pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS) in women with OAB. Methods Women with OAB were randomized into 2 groups: 6-week PFMT (n = 21) (home exercise program) and a control group (n = 22) (did not receive any treatment for OAB). Outcomes Sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction of partner, urinary symptoms, and PFMS were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the OAB-Version8 (OAB-V8), and the Modified Oxford Scale (MOS), respectively. Results After 6 weeks, there was an increase in FSFI domains [desire (95% CI: 0.18 to 0.64; P:.001, d: 0.88); arousal (95% CI: 0.42 to 1.24, P:<.001, d: 1.17); orgasm (95% CI:0.85 to 1.47; P:<.001, d:1.89); satisfaction (95% CI: 0.85 to 1.44; P:<.001, d: 2.29); sexual pain (95% CI:0.80 to 1.52; P:<.001, d:1.47); total score (95% CI: 3.70 to 5.94; P:<.001, d: 2.55)], sexual satisfaction of partners (95% CI: 1.80 to 2.85; P:<.001, d:2.83) and PFMS scores (95% CI: 1.10 to 1.55; P:<.001, d:3.18), and a decrease in the OAB-V8 score (95% CI: -13.01 to -7.10; P:<.001, d:2.19) in the PFMT group compared to the control group. There was a significant decrease in sexual dysfunction in the PFMT group compared to the control group (P:.046). Clinical Implications In order to improve sexual function, sexual satisfaction of the partners, urinary symptoms, and PFMS in women with OAB, PFMT should be added to the rehabilitation program in clinics. Strengths & Limitations The strength of this study was that it is a randomized controlled trial investigating the effect of PFMT in improving sexual function in OAB. The limitations of our study were the lack of a long-term (6 months-1 year) follow-up and the inability to blind. Conclusion PFMT was effective in improving sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction of partners, urinary symptoms, and PFMS in women with OAB.