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Yoga in female sexual functions
Vikas Dhikav1, Girish Karmarkar, Richa Gupta
1Department of Neurology, GGS-IP University Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, Rohini, 110085, India. vikasdhikav@hotmail.com
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
|November 17, 2009
Summary
Yoga significantly improves female sexual function across all domains, including desire, arousal, and satisfaction. This complementary therapy offers a promising alternative for women seeking enhanced sexual well-being.
Area of Science:
- Integrative medicine
- Women's health
- Sexual health
Background:
- Female sexual dysfunction is prevalent and often inadequately addressed by conventional treatments.
- Pharmacotherapies for female sexual dysfunction have limitations, including poor compliance, low efficacy, and side effects.
- Yoga is increasingly recognized as a complementary therapy with potential benefits for sexual health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a 12-week yoga intervention on female sexual function.
- To assess yoga's efficacy across all domains of female sexual function.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 40 women (aged 22-55) participated in a 12-week yoga camp.
- The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was administered pre- and post-intervention.
- Changes in FSFI scores were analyzed to determine the effect of yoga.
Main Results:
- Yoga intervention led to statistically significant improvements in overall sexual function scores (P < 0.0001).
- All six domains of the Female Sexual Function Index (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain) showed improvement.
- Older women (age > 45) experienced greater improvements compared to younger women.
Conclusions:
- Yoga demonstrates effectiveness in enhancing multiple aspects of female sexual function.
- The findings suggest yoga is a viable complementary approach for improving women's sexual health.
- Further research may explore yoga's specific mechanisms in improving sexual function.
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