Evaluation of the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercise during pregnancy on sexual function, lower urinary tract symptoms and birth process

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercises during pregnancy on sexual function, lower urinary tract symptoms and birth process. Method: This study, randomized controlled experimental design, was conducted in the Pregnant Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty Hospital between December 2022 and October 2023. The study was conducted with 70 pregnant women, 35 in the experimental group and 35 in the control group. "Personal Information Form, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Long Form (ICIQ-FLUTS LF), Mid-Term Evaluation Form, Birth Process Followup Form and Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Follow-up Form" were used to collect the data. Data collection forms were applied to both groups between at 18-20 weeks of gestation, 26 weeks of gestation, 32 weeks of gestation and 3-7 days after birth. In addition to routine care practices, the experimental group was trained between 18-20th week of pregnancy with a training booklet titled "Sexual Life and Pelvic Floor Health During Pregnancy" created by the researcher and a training video on the application of pelvic floor muscle exercise. Pelvic floor muscle exercises were applied to pregnant women for 12 weeks starting from the 20th week of gestation. To the pregnant women in the control group, only data collection forms were applied and routine care practices were performed. Results: The experimental and control groups were similar in terms of socio-demographic, general health characteristics, obstetric and gynecological characteristics (p>0.05). A statistically significant difference was found in the FSFI between the first evaluation and last evaluation total scores of the pregnant women in the experimental group (p=0.001, p<0.05). It was observed in the FSFI that the last evaluation total scores of the pregnant women were significantly higher than the first evaluation scores (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference was found in the FSFI between the first evaluation and last evaluation total scores of the Arousal, Lubrication, Orgasm and Satisfaction Sub-Dimension (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the ICIQ-FLUTS LF initial and last evaluation total scores of the pregnant women in the experimental group (p=0.017, p<0.05). The ICIQ-FLUTS LF last evaluation total scores of the pregnant women were statistically significantly lower than the first evaluation scores (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of perineal pain (p=0.027, p<0.05). Compared to the experimental group, it was determined that the pregnant women in the control group experienced perineal pain at a higher rate. Conclusion: It was determined that pelvic floor muscle exercise applied to the experimental group during pregnancy positively affected sexual function, reduced lower urinary tract symptoms and postpartum perineal pain compared to the control group.