Functional evaluation of the pelvic floor muscles and the sexuality of women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and vulvodynia

Author(s)

Nádia Cristina Polpeta

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Faculdade de Ciências Médicas
• Defense date: 2011-04-02

Examining board members

Paulo César Giraldo; Ana Katherine da Silveira Gonçalves; Jose Roberto Erbolato Gabiatti

• Advisor: Cássia Raquel Teatin Juliato; Paulo César Giraldo

Abstract

Introduction: Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) and vulvodynia (VVD) are characterized by pain and vulvoperineal discomfort, which may affect a woman's life in the sexual, affective, social and psychological spheres. Objective: To evaluate pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function and sexuality in women with RVVC or VVD. Study design: A cross-sectional study conducted with 61 sexually active women (age range: 18 to 50 years). Of the total women, 19 had VVD, 12 had RVVC caused by Candida and 30 were asymptomatic (controls). PFM function was evaluated by surface electromyography (sEMG) and vaginal pressure (PV) recording. A "Miotool Uro" device and Biotrainer" software (Miotec Ltd) were used for this purpose. Sexual function was assessed by the "Female Sexual Function Index" (FSFI) questionnaire including 19 questions, grouped into 6 domains (sexual desire, arousal, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction and pain). Results: The electrical potential of the PFM in women with RVVC and VVD as evidenced by sEMG was significantly lower than in the controls. However, no significant differences were found among women with RVVC, those with VVD and controls for electromyography values at basal tone and vaginal pressure at rest or PFM contractions. Similarly, the maximum time of sustained contraction in women with RVVC and VVD was significantly lower than in women in the control group. Women with VVD had a worse sexual performance (arousal, lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction and pain). Only sexual desire was not worse in these women compared to the control group. In women with RVVC, these differences were not sufficiently evident and only the domains of orgasm and satisfaction were compromised. The total score was 25 (±5) for the RVVC group, 21 (±5) for the VVD group and 29 (±4) for the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Women with VVD and RVVC had PFM dysfunction and a lower sexual quality of life than women in the control group (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/02137-5 - Evaluation of pelvic floor of womem with recurrent vulvovaginitis, vulvodynia, vulvar vestibulitis.
• Grantee: Nádia Cristina Polpeta Breda
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master