SinoXivClinical Effects of Pelvic Floor Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Pain and Sexual Function in Dyspareunia: A Case Series
Abstract
Background Dyspareunia is characterized by pain occurring before, during, or after sexual intercourse and has a multifactorial etiology involving biological, hormonal, and psychosocial factors. It can significantly impair quality of life and sexual well-being.Purpose To evaluate the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) combined with pelvic floor muscle training on pain, sexual function, self-esteem, and quality of life in women with dyspareunia.Methods This case series included seven women with dyspareunia assessed before and after a five-session intervention protocol. The intervention consisted of TENS combined with pelvic floor muscle training. Outcomes included pain (Visual Analog Scale), sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and quality of life (SF-36).Results A statistically significant reduction in pain was observed (p = 0.031). No significant improvements were found in sexual function or quality of life.Conclusion TENS combined with pelvic floor muscle training may reduce pain in women with dyspareunia; however, no improvements were observed in sexual function or quality of life. Further controlled studies are required.
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Citation Information
@article{larafreitasmatoscosta2026,
title={Clinical Effects of Pelvic Floor Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Pain and Sexual Function in Dyspareunia: A Case Series},
author={Lara Freitas Matos Costa and Heloísa Cristina Barbosa de Santana and Agostinho de Sousa Machado Júnior and Juliana Felipe da Silva Souza and Rúbia Rayanne Souto Braz and Maria das Graças Rodrigues de Araujo and Marcelo Renato Guerino},
journal={BMC Women's Health},
year={2026},
doi={https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9347276/v1}
}
