Does vaginal electrical stimulation cause pelvic floor muscle contraction? A pilot study

Scand J Urol Nephrol Suppl. 1996;179:39-45.

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether vaginal electrical stimulation using Conmax and Medicon MS-105 causes pelvic floor muscle contraction. In addition, pain and discomfort described by the participants were registered. Nine women, mean age 37.7 years (range 24-54) participated in the study; five healthy physio-therapists and four patients with diagnosed genuine stress incontinence. All the participants used Conmax and Medicon MS-105 with 10, 20 and 50 Hz in random order. The women increased the current step by step to tolerance level. Two physiotherapists were observing the perineum and notified whether a correct contraction was occurring. The participants reported whether there was a correct contraction of the pelvic floor and described pain and discomfort, classified according to McGill Pain Questionnaire. The results demonstrated that a correct contraction was reported and observed in only one of nine women. Electrical stimulation with all frequencies caused pain and discomfort in all women.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy* / adverse effects
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy* / instrumentation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Contraction*
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pelvic Floor / physiology*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Urinary Incontinence, Stress / physiopathology
  • Urinary Incontinence, Stress / therapy
  • Vagina / physiology*