The effect of postpartum physiotherapy on sexual function and incontinence of primparous women in Al-Zahra and shahid Beheshti hospitals of Isfahan: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Normal vaginal delivery causes sexual dysfunction as well as urinary and fecal incontinence, which can threaten a person's quality of life. It is believed that pelvic floor muscle strength is the most important factor in improving sexual satisfaction and function and urinary control. Therefore, This study aimed to investigate the role of physiotherapy and pelvic floor exercises in reducing sexual dysfunction and incontinence in primiparous women. Methods: This study was performed as a prospective randomized clinical trial on primiparous women who were referred to Al-Zahra and Shahid Beheshti educational hospitals in Isfahan between march 2019-Mars 2020. In this study, after obtaining ethics approval from the Medical Ethics Committee of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, patients were divided into control (n=57) and intervention (n=57) groups. In the control group, no intervention was performed and only routine postpartum recommendations (multivitamin tablets and 500 mg calcium tablets once daily for two months) were prescribed. For the intervention group the pelvic floor physiotherapy was performed Sexual function and urinary and fecal incontinence were assessed in both groups at 8 and 16 weeks postpartum by completing two questionnaires. Results: In two groups of intervention and control; Mean maternal age, body mass index, and birth weight were not significant (P>0.05) In the intervention group, at the 8th and 16th weeks after delivery, the mean score of total sexual function, and the total score of female urinary and fecal incontinence was a significant difference. (P<0.05). Compared between the groups, the mean sexual function and pelvic floor irritation at 16 weeks postpartum were significantly different between the two groups. Physiotherapy and pelvic floor exercise intervention reduce pelvic floor irritation and improve sexual function. Conclusion: it seems that simultaneous performance of physiotherapy (biofeedback) and pelvic floor exercises by strengthening the strength of the pelvic floor muscles increases sexual function as well as a relative improvement of pelvic floor irritation in the postpartum period. Copyright © 2021 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.