Mode of delivery and pelvic floor muscle strength and sexual function after childbirth

Objective: To investigate the respective roles of the mode of delivery and strength of pelvic floor muscles in the sexual function of women. Method: Thirty-two women who were delivered vaginally and 21 women who underwent cesarean delivery at the Celal Bayar University School of Medicine Obstetrics Department were enrolled in the study, and 15 nulliparas were recruited as controls. Sexual function was assessed in all women by a validated questionnaire (the Female Sexual Function Index). Desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain were measured separately, and pelvic floor muscle strength was assessed by a perineometer. Sexual function was compared among the 3 groups. The correlation between pelvic floor muscle strength and sexual function was also investigated. Results: Pelvic floor muscle strength was significantly lower in the group vaginally delivered compared with the group delivered by cesarean section and the nulliparous group (P < 0.05). There was no difference between the groups regarding sexual function (P > 0.05), and there was also no correlation between sexual function and pelvic muscle strength. Conclusion: Pelvic floor muscle strength and mode of delivery did not affect sexual function in our study participants. The muscular component of female sexual function should be further investigated. (c) 2005 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.