The Pelvic Floor Muscles Strength and Sexual Function in Primigravid and Non-pregnant Nulliparous

This is an observational cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 161 women divided into two groups: the first of pregnant women, formed by 81 primigravidae participants in the Prenatal Program of the public health system in Uberlandia city (Brazil). The second consists of 80 non-pregnant nulliparous. All participants signed an informed consent and the study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Uberlandia (nº 145.623/2012).

To estimate the average strength of vaginal palpation and vaginal squeeze pressure in primigravid, the investigators used the following equation to scale the sample: Zα/2 refers to the probability (α/2) standard one-tailed normal distribution; σ2 is the variance associated with vaginal palpation and vaginal squeeze pressure; ε is the sampling error. Based on a similar study, which evaluated similar population, it was assumed: α=0.05, σ=1.34 and ε=0.32 for vaginal palpation; and it was assumed: α=0.05, σ=12.60 and ε=3.00 for vaginal squeeze pressure. Therefore, the sample size would be 67 and 68 women, respectively.

The PFM assessment

PFM evaluation was performed by vaginal palpation and vaginal squeeze pressure. These methods are widely used in research involving the female pelvic floor and many studies have shown its reproducibility and validity.

The same examiner conducted all evaluations and before the start of the study, the reproducibility was tested. Ten women were evaluated twice, with an interval of one week to determine the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of all variables.

The participants were asked about the health history. After checking that they were eligible to participate in the survey, participants were invited to empty the bladder and to remain in the supine position with hips and knees flexed and feet propped. Assessments began after explaining how to perform the contraction of PFM and the volunteer was advised to stay relaxed and breathing normally. The vaginal palpation was always the first exam to check the PFM contraction ability and then was held vaginal squeeze pressure exam.

During vaginal palpation the examiner quantified strength. The physiotherapist introduced the index and middle fingers about 4cm inside the vagina, and requested to hold the maximum contraction of the PFM, according to the instruction of a movement "inward and up" with the greatest possible strength. Muscle function was classified by the Oxford Scale Modified, with varies from zero (absence of muscle contraction) to five (strong contraction with finger sucking of the evaluator). To be considered valid, the movement of cranial elevation was observed by the examiner, as well as the absence of visible contractions of the adductor muscles of the hip, gluteus or abdominals.

The vaginal squeeze pressure was measured through perineometer equipped with a vaginal probe that has been covered with a non-lubricated condom and then the probe was lubricated with hypoallergenic gel. The probe sensor was connected to a microprocessor hand with a latex tube, which allows the measurement of nip pressure in centimeters of water. To obtain the measurements, the subjects remained positioning and vaginal sensor was introduced approximately 4cm into the vaginal cavity. The women were oriented and motivated verbally to perform three voluntary maximal contractions sustained for five seconds and one minute interval between them. For statistical analysis, the investigators used the mean of three peak pressures provided by the equipment.

Sexual function assessment

Sexual function was evaluated by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire, with a validated Portuguese version, which has an easy to understand language and subsequently was applied exclusively in Brazilian pregnant women. The questionnaire consists of 19 multiple-choice questions, which involves six sexual response domains: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain. The score for each question is individual, varying from 0 to 6 points. The investigators performed a mathematical calculation, which allowed the acquisition of a final index, the total score of the FSFI. The total score of FSFI ranges between 2 and 36 points. The lower the score, the worse is the sexual function is. The assessment is for the period of the last four weeks.

At the time of the interview, the pregnant women were instructed regarding the completion and they had their enough time to fill it out in a self-administered way in a reserved place.

Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSSV21, Chicago, IL). Data normality was tested by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. To perform the variables comparison, the Mann-Whitney test was performed. To verify the correlation between the variables, the Spearman correlation test was used. Values of p<0.05 were considered significant. The intensity of the relationship of the correlation coefficient values were interpreted according to the following guidelines: 0 = zero; 0.10-0.39 = weak; 0.40-0.69 = moderate; 0.70-0.99 = strong, 1 = perfect, regardless of whether positive or negative.