Medical Studies

Improving sexual function in patients with endometriosis via a pelvic physical therapy

Wurn LJ, Wurn BF, King CR, Roscow AS, Scharf ES, Shuster JJ

Fertility and Sterility , September 2006

Fourteen patients with endometriosis confirmed by laparoscopy or laparotomy and decreased sexual function received a series of manual pelvic physical therapy sessions designed to address restricted soft tissue mobility. Each underwent pre-therapy testing, then a post-therapy test six weeks after treatment. Each acted as her own control.

Outcome measures were post vs. pre-treatment test scores on the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) full scale and on the six individual domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain).

Six weeks after therapy, intercourse pain decreased or was eliminated in 93% of the participants after therapy. In addition, desire (libido) increased in 71% of the women. Orgasms improved in 64% of participants, with some women reporting first-time-ever orgasms after returning home. Lubrication improved in 79%, while 86% had increased arousal, and 71% had increased satisfaction after therapy.

The Wilcoxon Sign-Rank Test (2-sided) showed a statistically significant improvement (P =<0.001) on the full scale score, and all six individual domains: Desire (P = 0.011); Arousal (P = 0.004); Lubrication (P = 0.001); Orgasm (P = 0.004); Satisfaction (P = 0.005); and Pain (P <0.001).