Application of deep electromagnetic stimulation in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in peri-menopausal women

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the effect of deep electromagnetic stimulation of the pelvic floor muscles on the severity of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) symptoms in perimenopausal women. Materials and Methods: The study included a group of 57 women aged 44 to 60 with SUI, who underwent a series of 10 treatments of deep electromagnetic stimulation of the pelvic floor. The effectiveness of therapy was assessed based on the Revised Urinary Incontinence Scale (RUIS). Results: After the therapy, a statistically significant reduction in the severity of SUI symptoms assessed according to the RUIS scale was observed – before the therapy, half of the patients obtained an average score of 8.4±2.4 points, and after the therapy 5.1±3.2 points. A statistically significant (p=0.0002) decrease in the incidence of urinary incontinence episodes during physical activity and a decrease in the amount of urine lost were also observed. The effects of the therapy were not long-lasting. After three months, the return of symptoms to the pre-therapy level was noted in 45.3% of patients, the return of symptoms but less severe in 22.6% of the patients, and the effect of improvement was maintained in only 18.9% of the patients. Conclusions: Deep electromagnetic stimulation of the pelvic floor muscles reduces the severity of the SUI symptoms associated with physical exertion, coughing or sneezing. The improvement effect is not long-lasting.