The Relationship Between Female Sexual Dysfunction and Myofascial Pain Syndrome and the Effect of Interferential Current Therapy on Female Sexual Function

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and the effect of interferential current therapy (ICT) for MPS on FSD. Material and methods: A total of 37 premenopausal patients aged between 18-50 years who had regular menstrual cycles and sexual relationships and trigger points on their upper trapezius muscles were included in the study. Thirty healthy volunteer participants were selected as the control group. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Visual Analog Scales (VAS) scores of both groups were compared. Subsequently, ICT was used to treat MPS patients. In ICT, a current intensity of 4.000 Hz, and 40-100 Hz AMF was delivered; the intensity was adjusted to the bearable sensorial threshold of each patient. Using VAS, BDI, and FSFI scores, the MPS patients were reevaluated 1 and 2 months after completing the therapy. Results: FSD was detected in 64.9% of the MPS patients and in 30% of the control group; there was a significant intergroup difference (p = 0.005). Overall FSFI score was significantly lower in the MPS patients than in the healthy control group. After treatment, the VAS, BDI, and FSFI scores improved in the MPS group. Pretreatment and post-treatment, the 1st and 2nd month mean FSFI scores were 23.20 +/- 4.75, 24.80 +/- 4.30 and 25.10 +/- 4.90, respectively (p<0.0001). As for FSFI subscale scores, a statistically significant improvement was detected only in the pain during intercourse, orgasm and sexual arousal scores. Conclusions: Our results have demonstrated that MPS involving only a restricted anatomical region adversely affects female sexual function. A significant improvement was observed in FSFI scores following the treatment of MPS.