Repercussions of circulatory electrical stimulation on quality of life, lubrication and pelvic floor muscles: a pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: The climacteric is one of the transition periods in the life cycle of women between the reproductive and non-reproductive phase, and it is characterized by various metabolic, psychological and social changes, either by psychic disorders or sexual dysfunctions promoting changes in quality of life. Objective: To analyze the repercussions of electrical stimulation on quality of life, lubrication and myoelectric activity of pelvic floor muscles in postmenopausal women. Methods: This was a pilot study in which the sample consisted of ten menopausal volunteers aged 48-60 years. We used the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire to determine the improvement in lubrication and the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire to assess quality of life. The pelvic floor muscles were evaluated by electromyography with an intracavitary electrode. The protocol used was: phasic contraction evaluated by three contractions of two seconds and six of rest; three tonic contractions for ten seconds with ten-second rest; and endurance for thirty seconds. The intervention was performed by another researcher, through circulatory stimulation with the Dualpex 961 Quark®. Results: Electromyography after circulatory stimulation showed statistically significant results with an increase in Fast Fourier Transform in tonic and phasic contractions, obtaining a positive effect on the perception and awareness of contractions due to increased blood flow. Also, there was improvement in lubrication and quality of life in all areas. Conclusion: Circulatory stimulation had repercussions on pelvic floor muscles in menopausal women in both muscle physiology and lubrication, with an influence on the quality of life of volunteers.

A Influência Da Menopausa Para O Aspecto Sexual: Sob a Visão Das Mulheres

“…Além disso, o estudo sublinha a relevância de estratégias de intervenção que incluam aconselhamento e suporte psicológico para ajudar as mulheres a lidar com esses desafios emocionais, bem como medidas para tratar questões físicas relacionadas à menopausa, como a secura vaginal. Portanto, para abordar eficazmente as implicações da menopausa na sexualidade feminina, é essencial considerar tanto os aspectos emocionais quanto os físicos, proporcionando um cuidado integral que promova uma vida sexual satisfatória e o bem-estar geral das mulheres nessa fase da vida (Santos et al, 2022). Sendo assim, ao abordar a prevalência de sintomas depressivos e de ansiedade, o estudo nos lembra que a menopausa pode ser uma jornada emocional desafiadora, muitas vezes acompanhada de uma diminuição do desejo sexual e dificuldades na função sexual.…”