The pelvic floor is crucial for controlling the release of urine, feces, and gas while also supporting organs like the bladder, bowel, and uterus. Pelvic floor disorders can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications in women.
These disorders can also impact sexual health, with studies showing that women with pelvic floor issues tend to be less sexually active. A recent study examined factors that contribute to reduced sexual activity in women with pelvic floor disorders and identified factors affecting sexual function in those who are sexually active.
Researchers from St. Olavs Hospital, NTNU, and the University Hospital of Northern Norway conducted this study.
They analyzed responses from 157 women with symptoms such as leakage of urine, flatus, feces, or pelvic organ prolapse. Of the women studied, 111 (71%) were sexually active, either with or without a partner, while 46 (29%) reported being sexually inactive. All participants completed the questionnaire anonymously, and none were pregnant during the study.
The researchers identified several key patterns in the study. On average, sexually inactive women are 8 to 10 years older than their sexually active counterparts. Around 80% of the inactive women are menopausal, compared to 50% of the active group. Additionally, sexually inactive women are more likely to have experienced symptoms within the past year.
These women also report more severe pelvic floor disorders, particularly pelvic organ prolapse, where the uterus, bladder, or bowel descend and bulge into the vagina.
Overall, women who are menopausal or whose symptoms began in the past year are four times more likely to be sexually inactive than those who are premenopausal or whose symptoms started more than a year ago.
While pelvic floor disorders do not always lead to the avoidance of sexual contact, they can significantly affect an individual’s sex life. Among the various pelvic floor issues, colorectal-anal distress has the most substantial impact on sexually active women.
Lead author Signe Nilssen Stafne, a researcher at St. Olavs Hospital, said, “Among the sexually active women, those with colorectal-anal distress experienced the greatest negative impact on their sex life. Previous research indicates that the fear of faecal incontinence affects the sexual experience.”
“We know that recently developed problems lead to uncertainty among women about whether intercourse may worsen the condition. In addition, a prolapse can lead to a negative self-image and altered sensitivity.”
The researchers suggest that these findings should serve as a reminder to healthcare professionals treating women with pelvic floor disorders, emphasizing the importance of addressing the potential impact on sexual health.
Journal Reference:
- Signe Nilssen Stafne, Silje Kristine Sveen Ulven, Tone Prøsch-Bilden et al. Pelvic floor disorders and impact on sexual function: a cross-sectional study among non-sexually active and sexually active women. Sexual Medicine. DOI: 10.1093/sexmed/qfae024