Effect of extracorporeal magnetic energy stimulation on bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life in female patients with stress urinary incontinence and overactive bladder

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of extracorporeal magnetic stimulation (EMS) for the treatment of bothersome and severe symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) in female patients. Material and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients with SUI and OAB who were referred to EMS therapy. Successful treatment for the bothersome symptoms of OAB and SUI was defined as score Յ1 for questions 2 and 3 on the Urodynamic Distress Inventory-6. The objective cure of SUI and OAB was defined as no urinary leakage during the cough stress test and any urgency, urge incontinence and voiding frequency of less than eight times per 24 h based on the 3-day bladder diary, after the 9 weeks of treatment, respectively. Results: Ninety-three patients with SUI or OAB underwent a 9-week course of EMS at 20 min twice weekly. Seventy-two (77%) patients completed EMS treatment. Geographical factor and poor economic status were two main factors for dropout. A total of 94.1% (32 of 34) and 86.8% (33 of 38) of subjects had successful treatment for the bothersome symptoms of OAB and SUI, respectively. In contrast, the cure rate for OAB and SUI was only 61.7% and 42.1%, respectively. There was also a significant improvement in both Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form (bothersome on lower urinary tract symptoms) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form (quality of life) total score in both groups after EMS. Conclusions: EMS is a safe and effective alternative method for treating SUI and OAB. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy.

Laser Acupuncture Alleviates Symptoms and Improves Quality of Life in Women with Overactive Bladder: A Double‐Blind, Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

“…However, the guidelines highlight that each patient should not be required to go through each line of treatment in the order specified [8]. In view of the above-mentioned facts, many alternative treatments such as acupuncture, extracorporeal magnetic stimulation, Erbium: YAG laser treatment, elastomer roller perineal stimulation and, moxibustion have been developed and validated [14,[25][26][27]. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical trial assessing the therapeutic effect of laser acupuncture on patients with OAB.…”

Outcome after conservative management for mixed urinary incontinence

“…PFMT was designed for a course of at least 8 weeks with at least 10–15 contractions per cycle for three cycles per day. EMS was administrated for 20 min per session, twice a week, for a total of 9 weeks . Patients were assessed by the physiotherapist for pelvic muscle power, endurance and repetition prior to starting and after completing the eight courses of PFMT.…”

Clinical utility of neurostimulation devices in the treatment of overactive bladder: current perspectives

“…Recently, some trials have been conducted in patients with OAB. Lo et al72 investigated magnetic nerve stimulation in 49 patients with SUI and 44 patients with OAB in a retrospective study. A electromagnetic chair was used for stimulation two times per week for 9 consecutive weeks.…”