# Objective evaluation of the acute effects of pelvic floor muscle training on vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled pilot study

## TL;DR

This pilot study found that a single session of pelvic floor muscle training significantly reduced vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women compared to no intervention.

## Contribution

The study introduces the use of the Vaginal Lubrication Kit as an objective tool to measure the effects of pelvic floor muscle training on vaginal dryness.

## Key findings

- PFMT significantly improved objective vaginal dryness scores compared to the control group.
- Baseline VAS scores were negatively correlated with initial VLK scores, indicating a relationship between self-reported and objective dryness.
- Smear test atrophy was also negatively correlated with initial VLK scores, suggesting a link between tissue health and dryness.

## Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women using an objective measurement method within the framework of a randomized controlled trial.

This randomized controlled pilot study included postmenopausal women who were allocated into two groups: a PFMT group (n = 45) and a control group (n = 58). The PFMT group performed a single set of exercises in the lithotomy position, consisting of 10 slow and 10 fast pelvic floor muscle contractions. The control group received no intervention.

The primary outcome was vaginal dryness, assessed objectively using the Vaginal Lubrication Kit (VLK). Secondary outcomes included Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for vaginal dryness, burning, and dyspareunia, as well as smear test results. Associations of baseline VLK and VAS scores with smear test findings were analyzed. Pre- and post-treatment differences, as well as between-group comparisons, were evaluated using parametric and non-parametric tests, with a 95% confidence interval.

Of the 105 women randomized, 103 completed the study. Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). Following the intervention, the PFMT group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in VLK scores (p < 0.05). Baseline VAS scores were statistically significantly negatively correlated with the initial VLK score (VAS vaginal dryness, VLK r: −0.571, VAS vaginal burning, VLK r: −0.451, VAS dyspareunia, VLK r: −0.460, p < 0.05). In addition, the presence of atrophy in the pre-treatment smear test was found to be statistically significantly negatively correlated with the initial VLK score (r: −0.346, p < 0.05).

PFMT significantly reduced vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women compared with the control group. It may be considered a potential treatment option for vaginal dryness. The VLK appears to be a promising objective tool for both assessing vaginal dryness and monitoring treatment outcomes in postmenopausal women. Although these findings are promising, they should be interpreted with caution given the pilot design and the short follow-up. Larger randomized trials are needed to confirm the long-term efficacy of PFMT and to validate the VLK as an objective outcome measure.