The effect of pelvic floor muscle training on sexual function in men with lower urinary tract symptoms after stroke

Background: Erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common sequelae in men after stroke. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on measured erectile function as an indicator of sexuality in men with LUTS after stroke. Method: A sample of 516 men with stroke was invited to participate in this single-blinded, randomized controlled trial according to in- and exclusion criteria. This resulted in 31 participants who were randomized to either a Treatment Group (n=16) or a Control Group (n=15). The intervention included 12weeks of PFMT. The effect was measured on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Results: Thirty participants (median age: 68 years; interquartile range: 60-74 years) completed the study, 15 in each group. The results of the IIEF-5 sum score showed a significant improvement (P<0.04) from pre-test to post-test in the Treatment Group, but not in the Control Group. Within pre-test and 6-month follow-up, the median sum score decreased in both groups, worsened in the Control Group [ Treatment Group, 3 (17%) versus Control Group, 5 (31%)]. There were differences between the groups at post-test and at follow-up, but they were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The results showed that, as measured by erectile function in men with LUTS after stroke, PFMT may have short-term and long-term effect, although no statistically significant effect was demonstrated between the groups.