Empowering postpartum women through health education on Kegel exercises: effects on pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, and sexual function

Abstract

Background: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through non-invasive Kegel exercises before the onset of clinical symptoms is the most effective method for reducing postpartum complications. Aim: This study seeks to investigate the impact of the Kegel exercise on maternal postpartum pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, and sexual function among women in the obstetrics and gynecology department of the National Guard Hospital, King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: a quasi-experimental design with six weeks apart pre- and post-tests was used, having 31 participants per group recruited with a convenience sample method. An interviewer-administered questionnaire containing a 20-item Pelvic Floor Disability Index (PFDI-20), a 19-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Visual Analog Scale with the Faces Pain Rating Scale was used to measure pelvic floor dysfunction, sexual function, and postpartum pain, respectively. These tools were valid and reliable. Results: Results revealed a significant increase in the Female Sexual Function Index in the experimental group after the intervention and a substantial decrease in the Visual Analog Scale with the Face Pain Rating Scale in both groups after the intervention. There were no statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups in the total score of pelvic floor dysfunction. However, the Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory subscale showed a substantial increase in the control group post-test. In conclusion, the current study has shown that Kegel exercises can increase sexual drive and reduce pain in women with postpartum complications.