The Relationship Between Vaginal and Pelvic Floor Symptoms and Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33719/sexscij.2512.23Keywords:
dyspareunia, incontinence, menopause, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunctionAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vaginal and pelvic floor symptom levels and sexual function in postmenopausal women.
Material and Methods: A total of 121 postmenopausal women with an active sexual life were included in the study. The number and severity of vaginal and pelvic floor symptoms were recorded. The impact level of vaginal symptoms was assessed using the Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging Questionnaire, while pelvic floor distress was evaluated with the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20. Sexual function was assessed with the Short Form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-12). Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients were used for statistical analysis. The statistical significance level (p) was set at 5%.
Results: Negative moderate-to-weak correlations were identified between the number and impact level of vaginal symptoms and the PISQ-12 subscale scores (r=0.28–0.59, p<0.001). On the other hand, negative correlations ranging from strong to weak were found between the number and distress level of pelvic floor symptoms and the PISQ-12 subscale scores (r=0.15–0.70, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Although pelvic floor symptom severity showed a stronger relationship, all subdomains of sexual function—particularly the physical subdomain—appeared to be associated with both vaginal and pelvic floor symptoms. Vaginal and pelvic floor health should be considered in the assessment and intervention phases in individuals with sexual dysfunction.
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