The Effect of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Pelvic Floor Function and Sexuality Postpartum. A Randomized Study Including 300 Primiparous

Purpose Although pregnancy and childbirth are physiological processes, they may be associated with pelvic floor disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of pelvic floor muscle training on postpartum pelvic floor and sexual function of primiparous. Methods This is a randomized, prospective study including 300 primiparous women. Inclusion criteria were the delivery of the first, mature baby, the ability to speak, understand German. The participants were evaluated by clinical examinations and questionnaires after 6, 12 months postpartum. After 6 months the women were randomized in two groups. Compared to the control group the intervention groups participated in pelvic floor muscle training once a week over 6 weeks. Results The results of the questionnaires showed no significant differences between the groups after 12 months. A significant stronger pelvic floor muscle strength was found for the intervention group after 12 months. The improvement of the pelvic floor and sexual function over the time showed a significant improvement in both groups Conclusion Supervised pelvic floor muscle training did not improve both the pelvic floor and the female sexual function in comparison to the control group. After 12 months the pelvic floor and sexual function improved significant in all women. Trial registration number German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00024725), retrospectively registrated