Does perinatal period pelvic floor muscle exercises affect sexuality and pelvic muscle strength? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically review the effect of pelvic floor exercises on female sexual function and pelvic floor strength in the prenatal and postnatal periods and to conduct a meta-analysis of available evidence. METHODS: Published archives, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ULAKBİM databases, were scanned using keywords based on MeSH. Only randomized controlled trials were included. The data were analyzed using the Review Manager computer program (version 5.3). RESULTS: Pooled standardized differences in means of sexual function in both pelvic floor exercise and control group were 6.33 (95%CI 5.27–7.40, p<0.00001) during pregnancy. The pooled standardized differences in means in sexual function after postpartum intervention was 1.19 (95%CI 0.08––2.30, p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Evidence has shown a little effect on the pelvic floor muscle training on sexual function in pregnancy and postpartum period in primipara women, and it is a safe strategy that can improve postpartum sexual function.