Effect of Pelvic Kinesiotherapy on Sexual Function in Women with Endometriosis: Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial
Physiotherapy. Endometriosis. Dyspareunia.
Introduction: Endometriosis is a chronic and progressive disease that can result in changes in sexual function. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of pelvic kinesiotherapy on sexual function, functionality, intensity of chronic pelvic pain, quality of life and strength parameters of the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) in women with endometriosis. Methods: Randomized clinical trial, including women aged between 18 and 40 years old, sexually active and not undergoing any other type of treatment for changes in sexual function related to endometriosis. The 64 participants will be randomized into 2 groups: Control Group (CG=32, will follow the pharmacological treatment prescribed by the responsible doctor) and Experimental Group (GE=32, will participate in a pelvic kinesiotherapy program). A self-assessment questionnaire will be applied, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), McGill Pain Questionnaire, The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) and PERFECT at 3 moments (before the intervention, 4 and 8 weeks after intervention). For data analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA - 2 groups x 3 measurement moments) and intention-to-treat analysis will be used. A p<0.05 will be adopted. Final considerations: Based on the physiological plausibility of pelvic kinesiotherapy in other chronic disease conditions and the scarcity of studies on this resource in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions in women with endometriosis, it is necessary to investigate the topic.