Is Pelvic Floor sEMG a Measure of Women’s Sexual Response?

Abstract

Introduction Pelvic floor surface electromyography (sEMG) is often used in the assessment and treatment of individuals with pelvic floor abnormalities to measure muscle tone and neural control of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM); however, little is known about the role of the PFM in sexual arousal. Aim The aim of this pilot study was to examine whether changes in deep and superficial PFM activity—assessed with sEMG—can be observed during the presentation of sexual stimuli. Methods Deep PFM sEMG activity was assessed with a vaginal probe. Superficial PFM activity was assessed with sEMG electrodes placed over the bulbocavernosus and perianal muscles. 15 sexually healthy women (mean age 27 years) watched a series of neutral, anxiety-evoking, and sexually explicit films. Continuous subjective sexual arousal was measured using a handheld arousometer. Main Outcome Measure Changes in microvolts were measured by sEMG sensors, from neutral to anxiety-evoking and neutral to sexually explicit films. Results There was an increase in intravaginal and perianal sEMG for both the erotic and anxiety films. Bulbocavernosus sEMG responses did not differ among the 3 films. Concordance between self-reported continuous sexual arousal for the erotic film and bulbocavernosus sEMG (r = 0.349) was not significantly different than concordance using intravaginal sEMG (r = 0.293) or perianal sEMG (r = 0.236). Clinical Implications Understanding more about which parts of the PFM respond specifically to sexual stimuli may have implications for measuring the effects of treatments aimed at improving sexual response in women. Strength & Limitations The results of this pilot study provide a preliminary understanding of which pelvic floor muscles respond to sexual stimuli. A limitation of this study was the small sample size. Conclusion Taken together, these findings suggest that intravaginal and perianal sEMG respond to erotic stimuli, whereas bulbocavernosal sEMG responses do not.

Revolutionizing core muscle analysis in female sexual dysfunction based on machine learning

“…The multifidus muscles work with the transverses abdominal and the pelvic floor muscles to form what is known as the anatomical girdle, and when the abdominal muscles are powerfully contracted, the diaphragm goes higher and the elevated IAP causes a contraction of the PFM 48 . The pelvic floor consists of a bed of muscles underneath the pelvis, and it provides structural support for the internal organs, PFM strength in women is positively related to sexual function and arousal 49 . Another explanation, there is coordination between core muscles, the pelvic floor muscles (PFM), which are a part of IAP and respiration, are frequently disregarded.…”

“…Another explanation, there is coordination between core muscles, the pelvic floor muscles (PFM), which are a part of IAP and respiration, are frequently disregarded. When abdominal muscles are contracted, the PFM goes downward and the diaphragm 49 , 50 .…”

Efeito do Método Pilates sobre a Função Sexual, a Força da Musculatura do Assoalho Pélvico e a Qualidade de Vida em Mulheres Sobreviventes do Câncer de Mama

“…PFM strength in women is positively related to sexual satisfaction and arousal. In part, this may occur because the PFM influences the position of the clitoral erectile tissue, particularly the contraction of the superficial PFMs (e.g., ischiocavernosus and bulbocavernosus muscles) 33 . The verbal command of the physical therapist is important to give instruction on the correct activation of the powerhouse during execution of the Pilates movement 34 .…”