Althea Medical Journal · Sep 30, 2026
Sexual Function in Premenopausal Women in the Buleleng Bali Tourist Area Following the Orhiba and Kegel exercises (O-KE) Exercise
By Arini LA, Astuti AT, Putri NAH et al.
Background: Premenopause is a transitional phase characterized by menstrual irregularities that may negatively affect sexual well-being. Combined Orhiba and Kegel (O-KE) Exercise may provide a non-pharmacological approach to improving sexual health. This study evaluated the effect of O-KE Exercise on sexual function among premenopausal women in Buleleng, Bali.Methods: A posttest-only control group study was conducted among 50 women aged 40–50 years with irregular premenopausal cycles in Baktiseraga Village, Buleleng, Bali, from July to September 2025. Participants were selected using purposive sampling and assigned to the O-KE Exercise intervention (n=25) or control group (n=25). Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and serum estradiol levels were measured. FSFI scores were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test, while estradiol levels were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA).Results: FSFI scores differed significantly between the intervention and control groups (p<0.001). Mean estradiol levels were also significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p<0.001).Conclusions: O-KE Exercise was associated with improved sexual function and higher estradiol levels among premenopausal women. These findings suggest that O-KE Exercise may be a useful non-pharmacological intervention to support sexual health during the menopausal transition.