Capacitive Resistive Monopolar Radiofrequency Combined with Manual Physiotherapy to Treat Dyspareunia in Young Women
Background: Dyspareunia, a prevalent sexual dysfunction in young women, is often overlooked and affects sexual health and quality of life. Physical therapy can reduce pain and improve muscle function. Aim: To investigate the effects of capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency combined with peri...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Mary Ann Liebert
2024-04-01
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| Series: | Women's Health Reports |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/whr.2024.0135 |
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| Summary: | Background: Dyspareunia, a prevalent sexual dysfunction in young women, is often overlooked and affects sexual health and quality of life. Physical therapy can reduce pain and improve muscle function. Aim: To investigate the effects of capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency combined with perineal massage on dyspareunia-related pain and muscle strength. Methods: A single-blinded, randomized clinical trial with 44 women aged 18–30 years experiencing sexual pain. The intervention group received manual therapy with perineal massage and 448 kHz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency, while the control group received the same treatment with the device off. They underwent four 16-minute sessions. Evaluations were performed at baseline, posttreatment, and 3 months later. Outcomes: Pain during various activities, muscle strength, perceived pain during intercourse, and sexual satisfaction. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in manual stretching (p = 0.046), pain during instrumental insertion (p = 0.031), instrumental stretching (p < 0.001), Oxford scale scores (p = 0.006), pain scores (p < 0.001), and sexual satisfaction (p = 0.004), sustained at 3 months. The control group improved in instrumental stretching (p = 0.002), pain scores (p < 0.001), and sexual satisfaction (p = 0.002). Instrumental stretching had a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 2.049). Clinical Implications: Physiotherapy provides effective pain relief in young women with dyspareunia. Strengths and Limitations: Short treatment with good results but not always with pain-free results, and there is a need to combine treatment with other health professionals. Conclusion: The combination of capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency and manual therapy improves pain feeling and muscle function and sustains its effects long term. |
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| ISSN: | 2688-4844 |