Effect of pelvic floor-centered patient education programme in young women with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a pelvic floor-centered multicomponent education program (PF-CMP) is associated with improvements in pain, pelvic-floor knowledge, and dysmenorrhea impact in young women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD).

Methods: In this single-blind randomized controlled trial (n = 66; PF-CMP = 33; control = 33), the PF-CMP group received an education and brief guided practice programme in a single visit and continued self-care; controls continued routine practices only. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and during the next menstrual cycle with pain intensity (VAS), dysmenorrhea impact (DIS-R), and pelvic-floor knowledge (PFHKQ). Between-group effects were analyzed using t-tests and ANCOVA, adjusting for baseline values.

Results: In within-group analyses, VAS scores decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.05); only the intervention group showed additional significant improvements in DIS-R and PFHKQ scores (p < 0.05). In between-group comparisons, the intervention group showed greater improvement than the control group on VAS (p = 0.004) and DIS-R (p = 0.003). For PFHKQ, the adjusted difference in favor of the intervention was statistically significant after ANCOVA with baseline scores as covariates (p = 0.010).

Conclusion: Over one cycle, PF-CMP was associated with improvements in pain and dysmenorrhea impact versus routine practices, and with higher pelvic-floor knowledge after baseline adjustment. This study shows that PF-CMP can help young women with PD cope with pain and make life changes. Integration into routine assessments or educational workshops may improve accessibility among young women.

Clinicaltrials: GOV: NCT06600230.

Keywords: Menstrual pain; Patient education; Pelvic floor education; Primary dysmenorrhea.