EFFECT OF MUSCULAR AWARENESS ON THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF FEMALE SEXUAL AND PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTIONS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The female pelvic floor plays a fundamental role in supporting pelvic organs, maintaining urinary and fecal continence, and contributing to sexual function. Alterations in this musculature may cause dysfunctions that compromise women’s quality of life. This study aimed to analyze the effect of muscular awareness on the prevention and treatment of sexual and pelvic floor dysfunctions in women. It is an integrative literature review conducted between December 2024 and October 2025, in the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases, using descriptors in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, and including articles published between 2016 and 2025. The selected studies indicate that techniques such as Kegel exercises, kinesiotherapy, biofeedback, hypopressive gymnastics, electrostimulation, and manual therapies promote significant improvements in muscle strength, proprioception, and female sexual function. Furthermore, the application of body awareness during training favors control, coordination, and muscular perception, enhancing therapeutic outcomes. It is concluded that pelvic physical therapy, combined with muscular awareness, is an effective and non-invasive strategy for the rehabilitation and prevention of female sexual dysfunctions.