Together with the diaphragm and the abdominal and back muscles, they are responsible for stabilizing the spine.
The pelvic floor muscles are directly linked to the sensation of pleasure during intercourse for both women and their partners. They play a key role during orgasm. Additionally, conscious activation of the pelvic floor muscles during intercourse improves sexual satisfaction.
What is pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, and how does it affect the quality of sexual life?
Pregnancy, childbirth, perineal injuries, inappropriate physical activity, poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, or trauma are examples of factors that can affect pelvic floor muscle function. Pelvic floor dysfunction may be associated with impaired nerve conduction, decreased muscle strength and endurance, reduced or excessive muscle tone, as well as impaired coordination or an inability to consciously activate these muscles.
Depending on the specific dysfunction, the most common symptoms may include: reduced sensation in the genital area, pain during intercourse or even an inability to engage in it, a feeling of “looseness” or heaviness in the vagina, unsatisfactory orgasm or lack thereof, urinary incontinence during intercourse, and discomfort and a burning sensation in the perineal region, in the absence of infection or other organic causes, leading to a loss of desire for sexual intercourse.
How can a physical therapist help?
A properly trained physical therapist begins by conducting a medical history interview and functional assessment. This involves evaluating the structure and function of the pelvic floor muscles. Other parts of the musculoskeletal system, body posture, and breathing patterns are also significant.
Comprehensive treatment includes manual and visceral therapy techniques, appropriately guided pelvic floor muscle training, and patient education. Strengthening weakened muscles or relaxing overly tense ones, increasing their flexibility and volume, improving blood flow and nutrition, and enhancing sensation, control, and body awareness are some of the benefits of this therapy.
Who is this form of physical therapy intended for?
Physical therapy for sexual dysfunction is intended for women with the aforementioned conditions, particularly those suffering from vaginismus, pain during intercourse, women who have given birth (especially those with painful episiotomy scars), and those wishing to improve the quality of their sex life and body awareness.
Author: Małgorzata Starzec, M.A.
