Vaginal electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor: A randomized feasibility study in urinary incontinent elderly women

Abstract

Although the number of enrolled women was very small this study shows that: 1. Treating elderly women with vaginal ES of the pelvic floor has a high physical and emotional cost for the individual. 2. The effectiveness of ES of the pelvic floor in urinary incontinent elderly women is low. 3. There is no great discrepancy between objective amelioration (PAD test) and subjective amelioration (PRAFAB score/quantity of urinary leakage), if the objective improvement is adequately defined. 4. It is not reasonable to advise elderly women with urinary incontinence to undertake this treatment procedure. The effectiveness of treatment does not compensate for the long-lasting and intense treatment protocol. 5. We terminated this study because of the negative outcome with ES.

Comparison between two different neuromuscular electrical stimulation protocols for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: a randomized controlled trial

“…no urine loss. However, the studies of Luber and Wolde-Tsadik 26 and Spruijt et al 27 using the pad test showed no significant difference in urine loss in women with SUI treated with NMES compared with the control group (placebo NMES) or Kegel exercises.…”

Electrical Stimulation for Urinary Incontinence in Women: A Systematic Review

“…Four trials to treat mixed urinary incontinence were included with a total of 143 patients (35)(36)(37)(38). Most patients in the trials were close to 50 years of age.…”

Intracavitary electrical stimulation as treatment for overactive bladder: systematic review

“…Although electrical stimulation has been shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of OAB, this effect can not occur so markedly in older population. Spruijt (39) showed low ef icacy of electrical stimulation and perineal exercises, when applied to the elderly, correlating these indings about aging to hormonal changes and great emotional impact. The UI in elderly is considered multifactorial, including changes in body tissues, anatomy, lifestyle and personal characteristics.…”