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Related Concept Videos

Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum01:26

Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum

The muscles of the pelvic floor and perineum are crucial for supporting the pelvic organs, controlling continence, and aiding in sexual function, childbirth, and core stability. They are typically divided into the superficial perineal layer and the deep pelvic floor layer.
Perineal Layer
The perineum is a diamond-shaped area below the pelvic diaphragm, divided into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the external genitals and a posterior anal triangle housing the anus. The urogenital...
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System01:20

Disorders of the Male Reproductive System

Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System01:24

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
Male Sexual Response: Erection & Ejaculation01:17

Male Sexual Response: Erection & Ejaculation

Sexual stimulation can take various forms, such as physical touch and visual or auditory cues. When this happens, the parasympathetic reflex in the sacral portion of the spinal cord is activated. This reflex stimulates the release of nitric oxide (NO), which then dilates the arterioles in the penis, increasing blood flow to the erectile tissues - the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum.
The blood filling the erectile tissues compresses the veins, which helps to prevent blood from leaving...
Disorders of the Urinary System01:20

Disorders of the Urinary System

The urinary system is responsible for eliminating waste and excess fluids from the body. However, disorders of the urinary system can arise due to various reasons like infections, stress, age, congenital abnormalities, and lifestyle.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary system disorders. They are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and can spread to the bladder resulting in cystitis. Pyelonephritis is the result of a UTI that has ascended to the level of the...
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra01:19

Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra

The lower urinary system consists of the urinary bladder and urethra, which are essential in storing and expelling urine from the body. Together with the internal and external sphincters, these structures work together to regulate urination effectively.Anatomy of the BladderThe urinary bladder is a muscular, stretchable organ behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. In females, the bladder is positioned anterior to the vagina and inferior to the uterus, while in males, it is located...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
07:41

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Published on: April 17, 2019

Female sexual function and pelvic floor disorders.

Victoria L Handa1, Geoffrey Cundiff, Howard H Chang

  • 1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Vhanda1@jhmi.edu

Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 2, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Pelvic floor disorders significantly impact female sexual function, leading to reduced arousal, orgasm, and painful intercourse. These issues are particularly noted in women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse.

More Related Videos

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
03:49

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System

Published on: September 20, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
07:41

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Published on: April 17, 2019

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
03:49

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System

Published on: September 20, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Gynecology
  • Urogynecology
  • Sexual Medicine

Background:

  • Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) are common among women seeking gynecologic care.
  • The relationship between PFDs and female sexual dysfunction (FSD) requires further investigation, independent of confounding factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if PFDs are independently associated with FSD, including decreased libido, orgasm, arousal, and dyspareunia.
  • To identify specific PFD symptoms and severity linked to sexual dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 301 adult women receiving outpatient gynecologic/urogynecologic care was studied.
  • Pelvic floor disorder assessment utilized the Pelvic Floor Disorders Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) and pelvic organ prolapse quantification.
  • Sexual function was evaluated using the Personal Experiences Questionnaire, with ordinal regression analysis applied.

Main Results:

  • Women with a high PFDI-20 score reported significantly decreased arousal, infrequent orgasm, and increased dyspareunia.
  • Urinary, colorectal-anal, and prolapse subscales of the PFDI-20 showed associations with sexual dysfunction.
  • Stage III-IV prolapse was linked to infrequent orgasm, but not other sexual complaints.

Conclusions:

  • Symptomatic pelvic floor disorders are significantly associated with reduced sexual arousal, infrequent orgasm, and dyspareunia.
  • Sexual function is demonstrably worse in women experiencing symptomatic prolapse.