Investig Clin Urol.  2021 Jan;62(1):79-84. 10.4111/icu.20190248.

Pelvic floor muscle strength is correlated with sexual function

• Boas Sartori DV
• Kawano PR
• Yamamoto HA
• Guerra R
• Pajolli PR
• Amaro JL

• KMID: 2509856
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4111/icu.20190248

Abstract

Purpose
Sexual performance is related to proprioception and pelvic floor muscle strength (PFMS). The aim of this study was to correlate sexual activity and orgasm with PFMS.
Materials and Methods
A total of 140 healthy continent female were prospectively distributed into 4 groups according to age: Group 1 (G1), 30–40; Group 2 (G2), 41–50; Group 3 (G3), 51–60; Group 4 (G4), over 60 years old. Evaluated parameters were: frequency of sexual activity and orgasm achievement; body mass index (BMI) and objective evaluation of PFMS using perineometer and surface electromyography.
Results
BMI was higher in G4 compared to G1 (p=0.042). Women who reported sexual activity was significantly higher in G1 compared to G3 and G4 (94.1% vs. 66.7% and 37.5%, respectively; p=0.001). Orgasm was more frequently in G1 compared to G3 and G4 (91.2% vs. 63.9% and 28.1%, respectively; p=0.001), demonstrating that sexual activity and orgasm decrease after age 51. The duration of PFM contraction was significantly higher in women who had sexual intercourse (p=0.033) and orgasm (p=0.018).
Conclusions
Although the frequency of sexual intercourse and orgasm may decrease with aging, a relationship between sexual activity and PFMS remains apparent, once both sexually active women and those who have orgasms showed better PFM endurance than non-sexually active ones.

Keyword

Aging; Muscle strength dynamometer; Muscular contraction; Sexual activities