(093) Acute and Chronic Effects of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Vaginal and Sexual Health in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial Using the Vaginal Lubrication Kit (VLK)

Introduction Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is characterized by vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and urinary symptoms, profoundly affecting quality of life in postmenopausal women. Conventional assessment methods such as the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) rely on subjective perception and lack objectivity. To address this limitation, a novel diagnostic device (the Vaginal Lubrication Kit (VLK)) was developed based on the Schirmer test principle to objectively measure vaginal moisture. Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT), a non-pharmacological and cost-effective approach, is known to enhance local vascularization and tissue trophism. Objective This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate both the acute and chronic effects of PFMT on vaginal lubrication and sexual health using VLK and validated questionnaires. Methods A total of 103 postmenopausal women (mean age: 56.4 ± 6.9 years) were randomly allocated to an intervention group (IG; n=45) or a control group (CG; n=58). The intervention group received one supervised session of standardized PFMT followed by a 12-week home-based exercise program. Participants were evaluated at baseline, immediately after the first PFMT session, and after 12 weeks. Primary outcomes included vaginal lubrication levels measured objectively by VLK (mm) and subjectively by VAS dryness scores. Secondary outcomes were Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Postmenopausal Sexuality Questionnaire (PMSQ) scores. The VLK strip (5×40 mm, no dye) was placed 2 cm proximal to the Carunculae Hymenalis for 5 minutes, and the wetness distance (mm) was recorded. Statistical analyses included paired sample and between-group comparisons. Results At baseline, the mean VLK score in the intervention group was 10.03 ± 5.27 mm, which significantly increased to 13.60 ± 5.77 mm after a single 5-minute PFMT session (p < 0.001), indicating an acute enhancement in vaginal lubrication. The control group showed no significant change (p = 0.345). Following the 12-week intervention, all outcome measures (including VLK, VAS dryness, FSFI, and PMSQ subdomains demonstrated ) significant improvements in the intervention group (p < 0.001). Between-group comparisons confirmed superior outcomes in the PFMT group across all parameters except total PMSQ score. These findings suggest that both acute and sustained pelvic floor activation can enhance vaginal moisture, reduce dryness, and improve sexual function. Conclusions Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) significantly improves both immediate and long-term vaginal lubrication and sexual function in postmenopausal women. The Vaginal Lubrication Kit (VLK) offers an objective, standardized, and cost-effective tool for quantifying vaginal moisture, complementing traditional subjective assessments. PFMT should be recommended as a non-invasive, time-efficient, and clinically valuable intervention for managing GSM symptoms. Future studies with larger samples and extended follow-up are warranted to evaluate the sustainability of these effects and adherence-related outcomes. Disclosure No