The effect of sexual counseling on self-concept and sexual satisfaction of women with pelvic organ prolapse: A randomized clinical trial study

Abstract

Introduction

One of the most common complaints of women with pelvic prolapse (POP) is sexual dissatisfaction. The study aimed to determine the effect of counseling on the self-concept and sexual satisfaction of women with pelvic organ prolapse.

Method

In 2022, a parallel randomized clinical trial was conducted in …., involving 60 women with pelvic organ prolapse. A random block method was used to divide participants into two groups. The demographic profile questionnaire, the multidimensional sexual self-concept questionnaire, and the Linda Berg sexual pleasure questionnaire were used as the data-gathering tools. Four individual counseling sessions were conducted in four consecutive weeks. ANCOVA analysis was used to compare groups. The data was analyzed by helping STATA software version 13 with a meaningful level of less than 0.05.

Results

The study consisted of 60 participants with an average age (standard aviation) of the intervention group 44.60 (4.01), and the control group 41.57(5.94) years, data from 60 participants were analyzed. The demographic and clinical specifications of the two groups were relatively similar (p < 0.05). After the intervention, sexual self-concept, and sexual satisfaction scores were measured and adjusted for interfering factors. In the intervention and control group, respectively, the mean score (standard aviation) of negative sexual self-concept scores were 16.63 (2.64), and 22.14 (2.64) (p < 0.01) with effect size 2.09 [MD = 5.51 (95 % CI: 4.16,6.87)], and the mean score (standard aviation) of sexual satisfaction scores were 59.79(5.67) and 51.91(5.67) (p < 0.01) with effect size 2.13[MD = 8.18 (95 % CI: 6.19,10.16)]. The difference in mean scores in both variables was meaningful.

Conclusion

Individual sexual counseling significantly increases the sexual self-concept and sexual satisfaction of women with the prolapse of pelvic organs. Research is needed to determine suitable and effective therapies that support women's sexual health since self-esteem and sexual pleasure play a significant role in enhancing sexual function and bolstering marital relationships.