Pelvic Floor Muscle Parameters Affect Sexual Function After 8 Weeks of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence.

INTRODUCTION

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is often associated with female sexual dysfunction. We investigated which pelvic floor muscle (PFM) parameters (strength, power, and endurance) are associated with improvement of sexual function after 8 weeks of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) training.

AIM

This study was performed to determine the effects of TES in the seated position on PFM parameters and female sexual function and to identify correlation between improved PFM parameters and sexual function after 8 weeks of TES training in women with SUI.

METHODS

The present study was performed between August 2018 and November 2018 in women with SUI who were randomized into a TES group (n = 17) or a control group (n = 17). One subject in each of the TES and control groups ultimately withdrew during the intervention due to a lack of time. Both groups were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

As outcome measures, PFM parameters (strength, power, and endurance) and female sexual function were assessed using a perineometer and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), respectively.

RESULTS

The final study population consisted of 32 women with SUI. There were significant differences in PFM strength, power, and endurance and FSFI domain scores (desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, and total score) in both between-group analyses (TES vs control group) and within-group analyses (pre-TES vs post-TSE). Change in PFM endurance had the highest association with change in total FSFI total score (r = 0.437; P = .006), and change in PFM power had the highest association with change in FSFI satisfaction (r = 0.420; P = .008).

CONCLUSION

TES in a seated position showed a beneficial effect on sexual function in females with SUI. Consideration of PFM parameters associated with FSFI domain scores may be important when developing intervention guidelines to improve female sexual function. Hwang UJ, Lee MS, Jung SH, et al. Pelvic Floor Muscle Parameters Affect Sexual Function After 8 Weeks of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence. Sex Med 2019;7:505-513.