Can stronger pelvic muscle floor improve sexual function?

Introduction and hypothesis: This study aims to evaluate the association between pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and sexual functioning. Methods: Retrospective chart review of consecutive all women who were referred with a primary complaint of sexual dysfunction. Women underwent standardized clinical evaluation including pelvic muscle strength which was ranked from 0 (weak) to 2 (strong). The duration of pelvic muscle contraction was also recorded in seconds. Sexual function was evaluated by using a validated questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Results: One hundred seventy-six women with a mean age of 37±11 years were included. Women with strong or moderate PFM scored significantly higher on the FSFI orgasmic and arousal domains than women with weak PFM (5.4±0.8 vs. 2.8±0.8, and 3.9±0.5 vs. 1.7±0.24, respectively; P<0.001). The duration of PFM contraction was correlated with FSFI orgasmic domain and sexual arousal (r=0.26, P<0.001; r=0.32, P<0.0001, respectively). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that both the orgasm and arousal function are related to better PFM function.