The influence of the menstrual cup on female pelvic floor muscles variables: a prospective case series.

The aim was to assess and report the effects of menstrual cup on pelvic floor muscles (PFM) function and tone, as well as check the acceptability after a period of three menstrual cycles in healthy young women. The data collected in assessments and reassessments included the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS) questionnaire, evaluation of PFM function through PERFECT Scheme, PFM muscle tone, and PFM manometry (Peritron 9300®). A diary regarding the overall colletor acceptability and satisfaction was collected. Ten healthy young women completed the study. There was an improvement in the mean values of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) (p = 0.032), a decrease in the vaginal resting pressure (VRP) (p = 0.05), and an increase in the number of repetitions of sustained muscle contractions (p = 0.042). Seven women reported some discomfort while using the vaginal cup only in the first cycle while three revealed discomfort during the whole experiment. This study provides preliminary case-based evidence that the use of the vaginal cup for a period of three menstrual cycles changes the VRP, MVC, and PFM tone, as well as improves the repetitions of PFM assessed by digital palpation. Moreover, the women reported the use of vaginal cup as a positive experience.

Quantification of Urinary Loss in Nulliparous Athletes During 1 Hour of Sports Training.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a pelvic floor dysfunction that can affect nulliparous female athletes because of the effect of sports activities on pelvic floor muscles. OBJECTIVES: To verify and quantify urine loss in nulliparous athletes during 1 hour of sports training using a modified pad test protocol. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Secondary, institutional practice. PARTICIPANTS: Nulliparous athletes (N = 104). METHODS: Athletes completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) and underwent a maximal resistance test of the abdominal muscles followed by the new modified pad test during 1 hour of training. OUTCOMES: Presence or absence of UI was the dependent variable; the initial hypothesis was that high-impact activities could lead to the development of UI. RESULTS: Almost 52% of athletes (n = 54) self-reported UI according to the ICIQ-UI-SF score. Of athletes who reported stress or mixed UI (n = 32), only 43.7% (n = 14) had leakage during the training pad test. Interestingly, 24% of athletes (n = 12) who did not report UI had a positive pad test result. In total, 27.9% of athletes (n = 29) presented a positive pad test during the training. Mean urinary loss was 1.57 ± 0.4 g. CONCLUSION: Athletes did not seem to have a good knowledge of UI symptoms, and the modified pad test could be an alternative to quantify urine loss; however, it is necessary to perform accuracy tests. None of the athletes reported discomfort or decreased performance when performing the pad test. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.