EFFECT OF PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC PRENATAL PREPARATION ON PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN POSTPARTUM WOMEN

Background
Pregnancy involves major physiological and hormonal changes essential for fetal development and maternal adaptation. Though natural, these changes can cause discomfort and complications, some lasting postpartum. This study examines the impact of prenatal physiotherapy on postpartum pelvic floor and sexual dysfunction.

Material and methods
The study sample included 200 primiparous women who had vaginal delivery. The experimental group (100) underwent physiotherapeutic preparation, while the control group (100) did not. The intervention included exercises, perineal massages, coccyx mobilization, and herbal vaginal steaming. Pelvic floor dysfunction was assessed using the PFDI-20 questionnaire and sexual dysfunction with the PISQ-12 before and after delivery. Results were processed using non-parametric tests (Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U-test).

Results
Results showed a significant difference in pelvic floor dysfunction between the groups; in particular, women in the experimental group exhibited a lower dysfunction score (p<0.001). The sexual dysfunction condition improved in both groups; however, the difference observed between the groups was not significant (p=0.937).

Conclusions
Prenatal physiotherapy positively affects pelvic floor dysfunction in postpartum women; however, its effect on sexual dysfunction was not statistically significant. Physiotherapeutic preparation should be included in the care provided to pregnant women in order to improve their postpartum recovery and prevent prolonged disability.