Researchers looked at studies about how lifestyle choices affect women’s sexual health and related conditions. They found that three types of specialist care—physical therapy (especially pelvic floor exercises), spa and mineral bath treatments, and dietary changes—may help reduce pain during sex, chronic pelvic pain, and other related problems. When combined with regular medical care, these lifestyle approaches appear to improve sexual function and overall quality of life. The study suggests that doctors should consider recommending these treatments alongside standard medical care for women experiencing sexual health issues.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether physical therapy, spa treatments, and diet changes can help women with sexual health problems and related gynecological conditions
  • Who participated: Analysis of 47 research studies published between 2015 and 2025 involving women with sexual dysfunction, pelvic pain, and related conditions
  • Key finding: Physical therapy (especially pelvic floor muscle training), mineral bath treatments, and specific dietary changes all showed promise in reducing pain and improving sexual function when used alongside standard medical care
  • What it means for you: If you experience pain during sex or chronic pelvic pain, talking to your doctor about adding physical therapy, dietary changes, or spa-based treatments to your care plan may help. However, these should complement—not replace—standard medical treatment, and results vary by individual.

The Research Details

Researchers conducted a structured narrative review, which means they systematically searched medical databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) for all published studies on this topic between June and July 2025. They used specific search terms in both English and Polish to find relevant research. Three independent reviewers evaluated each study to decide if it met their criteria for inclusion. They excluded very old studies (before 2015), case reports, and unpublished work to focus on the most reliable evidence.

The researchers looked at three main areas: (1) physical therapy techniques including pelvic floor exercises and electrical stimulation, (2) balneology (spa and mineral bath treatments) and peloidotherapy (mud treatments), and (3) dietary interventions. They examined how these approaches affected sexual dysfunction, pelvic pain, and related gynecological conditions in women.

This type of review is important because it brings together evidence from many different studies to see if there are consistent patterns. Rather than relying on a single study, reviewing multiple studies helps doctors and patients understand what treatments have the most support. This approach is particularly valuable for lifestyle-based treatments that are often studied separately but may work better when combined.

This review included 47 studies that met strict criteria, suggesting a thorough analysis. The researchers used multiple reviewers to reduce bias and searched multiple databases to find relevant studies. However, the review notes that high-quality randomized controlled trials (the gold standard) are still needed to confirm these findings. The studies reviewed varied in quality and size, which means some findings are stronger than others.

What the Results Show

Physical therapy showed the most consistent benefits across studies. Pelvic floor muscle training (exercises that strengthen muscles around the pelvis) repeatedly reduced pain during sex (dyspareunia), chronic pelvic pain, and urinary symptoms. Other physical therapy techniques like manual therapy, electrical nerve stimulation, and radiofrequency treatments also showed improvements in sexual function and quality of life.

Spa and mineral bath treatments demonstrated pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. Treatments using brine baths, mineral-rich waters, and specific mineral applications (radon, sulfide, iodine-bromine) showed promise for conditions like vulvodynia (chronic vulva pain) and endometriosis, and may support fertility efforts.

Dietary changes also appeared beneficial. Higher fruit intake (especially citrus fruits), adequate vitamin D levels, omega-3 fatty acids for women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), and Mediterranean-style eating patterns were associated with better hormone and metabolic health. Limiting red meat consumption also showed potential benefits.

The review found that combining multiple approaches—physical therapy plus dietary changes, for example—may work better than any single treatment alone. Improvements in sexual function often occurred alongside reductions in pain and improvements in urinary symptoms, suggesting these issues are interconnected. Quality of life improvements were reported across multiple studies, not just for sexual function but for overall well-being.

This review builds on existing knowledge by systematically examining how lifestyle approaches complement standard medical care. While previous research has studied these treatments separately, this review highlights that they may work synergistically. The findings align with growing evidence that sexual health is influenced by multiple factors beyond just medical conditions, including physical fitness, nutrition, and stress reduction.

The review acknowledges several important limitations: (1) The included studies varied widely in quality and design, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. (2) Sample sizes in many studies were small. (3) Most studies focused on specific conditions rather than comparing treatments directly. (4) Long-term effectiveness data is limited—most studies tracked benefits for weeks or months rather than years. (5) The review could not determine optimal dosing or duration for treatments. (6) More research is needed in diverse populations, as many studies involved limited demographic groups.

The Bottom Line

If you experience sexual dysfunction or chronic pelvic pain, consider discussing with your healthcare provider: (1) Pelvic floor physical therapy with a specialist—this has the strongest evidence (moderate to high confidence). (2) Dietary improvements including more fruits, adequate vitamin D, and Mediterranean-style eating patterns (moderate confidence). (3) Omega-3 supplements if you have PCOS (moderate confidence). (4) Spa or mineral bath treatments as a complementary approach, particularly for pain management (low to moderate confidence). These should always be used alongside standard medical care, not instead of it.

Women experiencing pain during sex, chronic pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, vulvodynia, endometriosis, PCOS, or infertility concerns should discuss these approaches with their healthcare provider. These recommendations are most relevant for women seeking additional options beyond standard medical treatment. Women with certain medical conditions should consult their doctor before starting new treatments, particularly regarding mineral bath treatments if they have specific health conditions.

Physical therapy benefits often appear within 4-8 weeks of consistent practice, though full benefits may take 12-16 weeks. Dietary changes typically require 8-12 weeks to show metabolic effects. Spa treatments may provide immediate pain relief, with cumulative benefits over multiple sessions. Individual results vary significantly based on the specific condition, severity, and consistency with treatment.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track pelvic floor exercise completion (sets and reps) daily, pain levels during sex on a 1-10 scale weekly, and dietary intake of fruits, vitamin D sources, and omega-3 foods. Monitor changes in urinary symptoms and overall pelvic comfort monthly.
  • Set up daily reminders for pelvic floor exercises (start with 3 sets of 10 contractions). Log meals to track fruit intake and vitamin D sources. Schedule weekly check-ins to rate pain levels and sexual comfort. Create a goal to add one Mediterranean diet element per week (olive oil, fish, vegetables).
  • Use the app to create a 12-week baseline tracking period, then compare months 2-3 to month 1 for improvements. Set monthly goals for exercise consistency (aim for 80% completion). Track seasonal vitamin D levels and adjust supplementation accordingly. Review pain and sexual function scores quarterly to identify patterns and adjust the treatment plan with your healthcare provider.

This review summarizes research on lifestyle approaches to sexual health and gynecological conditions. These findings should not replace professional medical advice or standard medical treatment. Sexual dysfunction and pelvic pain can have multiple causes requiring proper medical evaluation. Before starting any new treatment—including physical therapy, dietary changes, or spa treatments—consult with your healthcare provider, particularly if you have underlying medical conditions, take medications, or are pregnant. Results vary individually, and what works for one person may not work for another. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.