Extracorporeal Magnetic Innervation Therapy for Stress Incontinence
A treatment called extracorporeal magnetic innervation therapy stimulates pelvic muscles to automatically perform Kegel exercises:
- The patients stay fully dressed and sit on a special chair during the treatment.
- Highly focused magnetic fields penetrate the pelvic area to stimulate the nerves.
- Sessions are twice a week for about 6 weeks, although it may take more than 8 weeks to build up the muscles.
Studies report that patients experience fewer leaks, need fewer pads, and have fewer voiding episodes throughout the day and night. Comparison studies of with magnetic therapy and sham or "dummy" treatments are mixed, however, with some reporting no differences. More studies are needed to determine whether extracorporeal magnetic innervation therapy has any value.
Electrical Stimulation of the Pelvic Floor
Electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor muscles has been a common treatment for years. The procedure uses a probe inserted into the anus or vagina, which produces a contraction in the pelvic floor muscles. Success rates range from 50 - 90% for urge incontinence. (It is may also be useful for some patients with stress incontinence.) A recent study regarding patient-adjusted intermittent electrostimulation in women with stress or mixed urinary incontinence using a new implanted stimulator found the concept promising, but encouraged further investigation regarding its effectiveness and safety. The procedure requires frequent visits, and it takes 2 to 3 months before the benefits are felt. It is often not covered by insurance. Side effects can be distressing and include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, bleeding, and infection.
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