Randomized controlled trial on the effect of pelvic floor muscle training on quality of life and sexual problems in genuine stress incontinent women.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercise on quality of life, lifestyle and sex-life variables in genuine stress incontinent women.

METHODS

Fifty-nine women with clinically and urodynamically proven genuine stress incontinence were randomized to either pelvic floor muscle exercise or an untreated control group. The intervention group was asked to perform 8-12 close to maximum contractions in 3 series per day. In addition they were exercising 45 minutes per week in groups. The intervention period was 6 months, and the women in the exercise group met once a month for individual assessment of pelvic floor muscle strength and motivation. Outcome measures were the Norwegian version of the Quality of Life Scale (QoLS-N) and the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (B-FLUTS) questionnaire.

RESULTS

The results showed that general quality of life measured by the generic quality of life questionnaire was not much affected by urinary incontinence. However, the disease specific questionnaire demonstrated that ability to participate in physical activity and some sex-life variables were affected by the condition. There was a statistically significant (p<0.01) reduction in number of women having problems with sex-life, social life, and physical activity in the exercise group after six months of pelvic floor muscle exercise.

CONCLUSION

Pelvic floor muscle exercise showed some effect on quality of life and sex-life variables.