BENEFITS OF PELVIC PHYSIOTHERAPY ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN WOMEN WITH GENITO-PELVIC PAIN DISORDER

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to review the scientific evidence on the possible benefits of pelvic physiotherapy in women with genitourinary pain disorder. Genitopelvic pain disorder includes conditions such as vaginismus and dyspareunia, which negatively impact women's quality of life and sexual health, causing pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse. Pelvic physiotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to treating these disorders, offering techniques for rehabilitating the pelvic floor muscles. Methodology: This study is an integrative and exploratory literature review based on searches of scientific electronic databases such as the Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), PubMed and the Virtual Health Library (BVS). Articles published between 2014 and 2024 addressing the benefits of pelvic physiotherapy in the treatment of genito-pelvic pain were selected. Results: The results indicate that pelvic physiotherapy, through techniques such as kinesiotherapy, Kegel exercises, hypopressive gymnastics, electrotherapy, manual therapy, biofeedback and the Pilates method, contributes significantly to pain reduction, improved vascularization, muscle strengthening and increased body awareness. These interventions not only relieve physical symptoms, but also promote patients' psychological and social health, improving their quality of life and sexual satisfaction. Therefore, pelvic physiotherapy represents an effective, non-invasive and low-cost alternative for the treatment of sexual dysfunctions associated with genito-pelvic pain, and should be widely considered and incorporated into women's healthcare.