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Female Sexual Function and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training: A Narrative Review
Dimitrios Stamos1, Vaia Sapouna2,3, Katerina Maria Astraka3
1Department of Urology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC.
Cureus
|July 14, 2025
Summary
Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) effectively treats female sexual dysfunction (FSD) by improving desire, arousal, and satisfaction. This non-invasive approach offers significant benefits for women across the lifespan, especially those experiencing postpartum or menopausal changes.
Area of Science:
- Women's Health
- Sexual Medicine
- Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Background:
- Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a prevalent, multifactorial condition impacting women's well-being, often underdiagnosed and undertreated.
- Pelvic floor disorders frequently coexist with FSD, suggesting a link between pelvic floor integrity and sexual function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anatomical, physiological, and clinical evidence supporting pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for FSD.
- To synthesize therapeutic insights and implementation strategies for PFMT in improving female sexual health.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of literature on pelvic floor anatomy, physiology, and PFMT interventions.
- Synthesis of clinical data on PFMT efficacy in diverse female populations with FSD.
Main Results:
- PFMT enhances sexual function, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and pain reduction, through improved muscle strength, blood flow, and psychological factors.
- Evidence supports PFMT's benefits for general populations, postpartum, postmenopausal women, and those with neurological or gynecological conditions.
Conclusions:
- PFMT is a low-risk, cost-effective intervention for FSD, improving quality of life and sexual function.
- Addressing adherence challenges and standardizing protocols are crucial for widespread implementation and optimal outcomes.
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