According to a new study published in Journal of Sexual Medicine, strength training reduces pain in sexual function in women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

According to the US National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, PCOS affects between 5 and 10% of fertile-age women. The cause of PCOS is still unknown but it might include genetic factors as the condition tends to run in families.

PCOS is caused by an excess of male hormones, which are known as androgens. These hormones usually lower levels of estrogen. Its symptoms include unpleasant physical changes, including excessive hair growth, acne, seborrhea, hair loss, obesity and fat distribution along the trunk and upper body.

The study conducted by Dr. Lucia Alves Silva Lara and her team pointed recruited 43 and 53 women with and without PCOS condition respectively.

They found that body mass index (BMI) in women with PCOS was high, with waist circumferences averaging 81 centimeters (about 33 inches).However in other group BMI was slightly lower but still in the overweight range, with waist circumferences averaging 76 cm (about 31 inches).

When both groups of women participated in a 16-week exercise regimen, the ones with PCOS scored higher on sexual function and felt significantly more desire, excitement, lubrication and less pain. They also had higher levels of desire than the women without PCOS.

The 16-week exercise regimen included stretching and using bench presses, extensor benches and other physical resistance equipment to work out hip, leg, arm and trunk muscles.