Pulsed Magnetic Stimulation for Stress Urinary Incontinence and Its Impact on Sexuality and Health

Abstract

It is becoming increasingly common that patients' preferences move towards non-surgical approaches, such as pulsed magnetic stimulation, for female stress urinary incontinence. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a device that uses electromagnetic technology to treat urinary incontinence, with an emphasis on health-related quality of life. METHODS: A total of 47 female subjects from 18 to 80 years old were enrolled. After block randomization, treatment consisted of 2 pulsed planar magnetic stimulation sessions per week for 4 weeks (8 sessions). Validated questionnaires: Female Sexual Function Index, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence: Short Form, and Pelvic Floor Bothersome. Follow-ups were performed at weeks 1, 9, and 14. RESULTS: The present study is one of the first clinical trials published evaluating the efficacy and safety of the electromagnetism-based device with flat configuration in patients with stress urinary incontinence, showing a reduction in PFBQ, ICQSF, and Oxford test scores during follow-up, and significantly at week 14 of follow-up, which implied a favorable impact on clinical outcomes, quality of life, and sexuality. CONCLUSIONS: The improved results in the treatment group compared with the simulated group show that pulsed magnetic stimulation is a safe and attractive non-invasive alternative for patients who prefer non-surgical treatments.