The Effect of Kegel Exercise on Sexual Function in Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59796/jcst.V15N3.2025.113Keywords:
kegel exercise, pelvic floor muscle training, sexual function, sexual dysfunction, menopause, peri-menopause, post-menopauseAbstract
Menopause often leads to sexual dysfunction due to hormonal and physiological changes. This research aimed to investigate the effects of pelvic floor muscle training (Kegel exercises) on sexual function in postmenopausal women by analyzing overall sexual function, specific domains, and various comorbidities. A comprehensive selection of primary studies was conducted across five databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Inclusion criteria encompassed both randomized control trials (RCTs) and non-randomized Control Trials (non-RCTs) involving postmenopausal women participating in pelvic floor exercise programs with assessed sexual function outcomes. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria, with 8 studies (n=643) contributing to the meta-analysis. Results from 6 RCTs (n=446) indicated that participants engaged in Kegel exercises exhibited significantly higher total sexual function scores, as assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), compared to control groups (mean difference = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.56, 3.59; p< 0.00001). Notable improvements were observed in several FSFI domains, including desire, arousal, lubrication, satisfaction, and pain; however, no significant difference was noted in the orgasm domain. Furthermore, a meta-analysis of 2 studies (n=197) involving mild pelvic organ prolapse revealed no significant difference in sexual function scores, measured by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) (mean difference = -1.26, 95% CI = -2.75 to 0.22; p = 0.69). In conclusion, Kegel exercises significantly enhance sexual function in postmenopausal women, particularly regarding desire, arousal, lubrication, satisfaction, and pain, while showing no significant impact on orgasm or pelvic organ prolapse outcomes compared to the control group.
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