The effect of pelvic floor health knowledge and awareness of postpartum women on dyspareunia

This study aims to determine the perception, awareness, and knowledge levels of postpartum women in Turkish society about dyspareunia and pelvic floor, and to investigate the relationship of pelvic floor health knowledge level with dyspareunia, pelvic floor dysfunctions and quality of life, which are sexual pain problems. The mean age of the participants in the study was 27.91±3.43 years. 298 primiparous women who had vaginal delivery in the last year were included in our study. Demographic information of the participants was obtained with the Sociodemographic Information Form. Pelvic floor dysfunction was evaluated with the Global Pelvic Floor Disorder Questionnaire (GPTRA), presence of dyspareunia was evaluated with the Carol Postpartum Sexual Functions and Dyspareunia scale, and general quality of life was evaluated with the Nottingham Health Profile (NSP). The participants' pelvic floor health knowledge level was measured by Pelvic Floor Health Knowledge Test (PTSBT) and Prolapse and Incontinence Information Survey (PIBA/UI and PIBA/POP). Evaluations were conducted online, face-to-face and hybrid. PFHKQ total score 18.18±5.56 (X±SD), Function/Dysfunction score 3,97±1,93 (X±SD), Risk/Etyoloji score 8,23±3,17 (X±SD), Diagnosis/Treatment score 5,96±2,02 (X±SD) PIQ/UI score 9,87±1,87 (X±SD), PIQ/POP score 7,04±2,24 (X±SD). High pelvic floor health knowledge and awareness in postpartum women is associated with decreased dyspareunia and sexual dysfunctions (p<0.05). The rate of dyspareunia is higher in women who underwent episiotomy (p<0.05). Increased pelvic floor awareness and knowledge level are associated with decreased pelvic floor dysfunctions (p<0.05). As the level of pelvic floor health knowledge and awareness increases, the quality of life of postpartum women increases (p<0.05). In conclusion, pelvic floor knowledge and awareness affect dyspareunia and sexual functions, pelvic floor dysfunctions, and quality of life. Keywords; pelvic floor knowledge and awareness affect dyspareunia and sexual functions, pelvic floor dysfunctions and quality of life.