Efeitos da massagem perineal vaginal na constipação funcional em mulheres

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study is to verify the efficacy of vaginal perineal massage in functional constipation (FC) in women. Methodology: The study sample consisted of 20 participants considered eligible for the research. The inclusion criteria consisted of women over 18 years of age who had already had vaginal penetration and had pelvic floor muscle hypertonia (PFM); self-report of constipation. Perineal massage was performed manually and/or instrumentally with a vibrating instrument, at the points corresponding to 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 hours of the Laycock clock on the inner part of the inner lips; pressure was applied in the caudocranial direction in the tendon center of the perineum; In the internal region of the vaginal canal, approximately 3.45 cm from the vaginal introitus, massage was performed at the points corresponding to 3, 4-5, 6, 7-8 and 9 hours of the Laycock clock, followed by movements in C and U. The pressure applied during the massage was maintained at each point described above for 120 seconds. The participants were seen for 25 minutes, 2 times a week, lasting 5 weeks, with a total of 10 visits. 2 evaluations were performed before starting the treatment and at the end of the 10 consultations. The primary outcomes evaluated were bowel movement and self-perception of constipation. Secondary outcomes were bowel movement frequency, visual aspect of stool, PFM tone, and PFM relaxation capacity. Results: There was no difference in perceived effort to have a bowel movement, bowel movement frequency or visual appearance of stool before and after treatment. However, there was an improvement in self-reported constipation, muscle tone and relaxation capacity assessed by vaginal palpation. Conclusion: The participants showed improvement in the tone and relaxation capacity of the PFM, but there was no improvement in the frequency of bowel movements, in the perceived effort to evacuate and in the visual aspect of the stool. It is concluded that vaginal perineal massage, used as an isolated intervention, does not improve functional constipation in women.