The effects of pelvic floor exercises on sexual function and spousal support in postmenopausal women with urinary incontinence

Özet

Objective: The current research was conducted to investigate the impacts of pelvic floor exercises on sexual function and spousal support in postmenopausal women with urinary incontinence. Method: The study used a one-group pretest-posttest experimental design. During the study, 50 women completed the pelvic floor exercises programme consisting of eight modules, one day a week, face-to-face, in five groups of 8-12 people. Measurements were made before and after the intervention. Data were collected using the Information Form, Female Sexual Function Index, and Menopausal Spousal Support Questionnaire. Results: The women’s mean age was 50.14±5.68 years, and 48% were primary school graduates. The participants had a mean duration of marriage of 29.72 ± 9.06 years; 14% had a regular job, and 38% were classified as having first-degree obesity. The mean age at menopause was 44.58±4.05 years, and 84% of women experienced natural menopause. The mean score on the Female Sexual Function Index was 27.95±2.82 in the first measurement and 29.16±3.79 in the last measurement, and the women’s sexual function levels increased significantly after the exercise programme. The mean score on the Menopausal Spousal Support Questionnaire was 109.80±32.55 before the exercise and 116.26±31.60 after the exercise, indicating a significant increase in perceived spousal support following the exercise programme. Conclusion: This study concluded that the pelvic floor exercises programme positively affected sexual function and spousal support in postmenopausal women with urinary incontinence. Community-based studies should be conducted to increase physical exercise in menopausal women.