Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD) negatively impacts women's quality of life and sexual function. Studies suggest that pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and tone may be associated with sexual dysfunction in this population, but this relationship is not well established.

To assess the correlation between pelvic floor muscle function and tone and the sexual function of women with genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder.

This is a cross-sectional study. Women over 18 years old who had engaged in sexual intercourse and experienced genito-pelvic pain/penetration before, during, or after intercourse were included. Exclusion criteria were women who could not tolerate the insertion of a finger into the vaginal canal, pregnant women, those with pelvic inflammatory disease, and women undergoing post-radiation therapy in the pelvic region. A questionnaire was developed to collect socioeconomic data, urogenital and obstetric history, and lifestyle habits. Assessments included the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for sexual function, the Reissing scale for muscle tone, and the modified Oxford scale for PFM strength. Data were analyzed using JASP software. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess data normality, followed by Spearman’s correlation test (p < 0,05).

A total of 62 women were analyzed (age: 28,2 ± 9,4 years; BMI: 23,6 ± 4,9 kg/m²). The FSFI score was 17,3 ± 7,0, indicating sexual dysfunction. Muscle tone was 0,5 ± 0,7, and muscle strength was 3,2 ± 1,0. No significant correlation was found between PFM tone and FSFI (r = 0,052; p = 0,692) or between muscle strength and FSFI (r = 0,088; p = 0,503).

Findings indicate that in women with GPPPD, there is no correlation between PFM function and tone and sexual function. This suggests that biopsychosocial factors may have a greater influence on sexual function than pelvic floor muscle characteristics.

The results highlight the need for multidisciplinary approaches in managing sexual dysfunction in women with GPPPD. Future studies should explore other factors that may influence sexual function in this population.