Effect of High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic technology in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence

Abstract

Abstract The study aimed to assess the effect of High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology in treating female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Twenty women with SUI were delivered a treatment course with HIFEM technology. Patients attended six therapies scheduled twice a week. Urodynamic exams, pad tests, and validated questionnaires were assessed, including OABSS, UDI-6, IIQ-7, ICI-Q, and vaginal laxity questionnaire. We also evaluated the bladder neck mobility in ultrasound topography pre- and post-treatment at 1- and 6-month follow-up visits. As for the results, HIFEM treatment significantly improved SUI symptoms on pad tests and patients’ self-assessments in the 6-month follow-up. Besides, the data from urinary-related questionnaires all showed a significant reduction. The analysis of the urodynamic study revealed that only maximum urethral closure pressure and urethral closure area significantly increased after the six sessions of HIFEM treatment. The urethral and vaginal topography was examined, and found that HIFEM mainly worked on pelvic floor muscle and enhanced its function and integrity. In conclusion, HIFEM technology is an efficacious therapy for treating SUI.