The Effect of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Using Biofeedback for Stress Urinary Incontinence

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Pelvic floor muscle exercise, biofeedback and electrical stimulation have been known as initial treatment options for women with stress urinary incontinence. We evaluated the clinical outcome of pelvic floor muscle exercise in combination with biofeedback and electrical stimulation as a treatment for stress urinary incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty three patients with stress urinary incontinence who had been treated with biofeedback and electrical stimulation from June 1999 to March 2000 were analyzed. Patients were evaluated with their medical history, physical examination, SEAPI score, and urodynamic study including Valsalva leak point pressure(VLPP). All patients were assessed for the outcome of the procedure with subjective satisfaction by scores of SEAPI classification and the relative strength of pelvic floor muscle by maximal vaginal pressure and contraction time. RESULTS: Among 23 women followed up for 6 month to 1 year, urinary incontinence completely disappeared in 6 patients(26.1%), significantly improved in 13(56.5%) and not improved in 4(17.4%). There was a significant increase in maximal vaginal pressure, contraction time and decrease in the scores of SEAPI classification. CONLUSIONS Pelvic floor muscle exercise in combination with biofeedback and electrical stimulation is a simple, safe, and effective treatment of stress urinary incontinence. The patient compliance is closely related to the success rate.