Impacto da terapia manual do assoalho pélvico associada ao uso de dilatadores na função sexual de mulheres com dor gênito pélvica

Abstract

Introduction: Female genito-pelvic pain is a multifactorial condition that negatively impacts quality of life, interpersonal relationships, and women's sexual function. Among the available therapeutic approaches, pelvic physical therapy has proven to be an and safe strategy for managing this dysfunction. Objective: To evaluate the effects of pelvic floor manual therapy alone and in combination with the use of vaginal dilators in the treatment of female genito-pelvic pain. Method: This is a randomized controlled clinical trial that included women with genito pelvic/penetration pain (GPP/PP). Participants were divided into two groups: the MT group received exclusively pelvic floor manual therapy, while the MTD group underwent manual therapy combined with the use of vaginal dilators. Both interventions were applied over 5 sessions and followed a standardized protocol. The primary outcome was sexual function, assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in pain perception (MT group improved by 1.3 (±1.4) points and MTD group by 1.6 (±1.8) points, p=0.567), as well as positive progress in sexual function, with most participants moving out of the sexual dysfunction zone. No differences were observed between the groups, indicating that both manual therapy alone and its combination with dilators were equally effective in treating GPP/PP. Conclusion: Manual therapy, with or without the use of dilators, is an effective intervention for women with GPP/PP, promoting pain relief and improved sexual function. This study contributes to the recognition of the role of physical therapy in women's health care and reinforces the importance of individualized and evidence based therapeutic strategies.