INVESTIGATION OF PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLE KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS AMONG WOMEN LIVING IN TURKEY

Objective: Pelvic floor muscles (PFM) are important for the protection of many mechanisms, support of pelvic organs, and maintenance of sexual function. Therefore, PFM exercises should be studied in more detail in women. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of knowledge and awareness of PFM on the sexual life of healthy women. Material and Methods: This study included 182 women living in Turkey who had an active sexual life. The demographic information and PFM awareness of the participants were evaluated. Accordingly, they were divided into two groups: those who had knowledge of PFM (group 1) and those who did not (group 2). All groups were assessed using the female sexual function index (FSFI), sexual quality of life female (SQOL-F), and Beck's depression ınventory (BDI). Results: There was a significant difference between groups 1 and 2 in the FSFI (p=0.046) scores (p0.05). Low correlations were found between the FSFI scores and knowledge of the pelvic region (p=0.062; r=0.114), exercise knowledge (p=0.026; r=0.136), and exercise habits (0.013; r=0.153). Conclusion: Knowledge and awareness of PFM had an effect on sexual life but not on quality of life and depression levels in healthy women. However, we believe that increasing women's awareness about pelvic floor health and PFM may prevent delays in applying to health services due to problems related to sexual disorders.