In a nutshell
This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of Femaxeen (pollen, pumpkin seed extract, vitamin E) in the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) in women. Researchers suggested that this drug might be a good and safe option to treat UI.
Some background
UI affects around 15 million adult women in the US. It consists of the uncontrollable leakage of urine. Stress UI is the uncontrollable loss of urine during physical movements, such as coughing or running.
Age and pregnancy are among the risk factors for UI in women. UI symptoms are associated with a loss in quality of life, isolation and delayed treatments. Treatment options include a change in behavior and lifestyle, pelvic muscle exercise, medication, and surgery. However, some women are not recommended to receive these treatments due to side effects. Moreover, some patients would like a less intensive therapy option, such as treatment with natural products.
Prior studies suggested that pollen extract treatments, such as Formaxeen, improve UI symptoms in men. The effectiveness of this treatment has not been tested in women yet.
Methods & findings
This study included information about 81 women with UI at different stages. Of these, 43.4% had urge UI, 31.6% had stress UI and 25% had mixed UI. These patients were assigned to receive Femaxeen or placebo (a drug with no effect on the body) once a day for 90 days. The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed through questionnaires filled by the patients.
Femaxeen was associated with improvements in the UI symptoms after 90 days. Improvements at 60 and 90 days were greater in the Femaxeen group when compared to placebo across all UI types. Both drugs were well tolerated since side effects were few and mild in intensity.
The bottom line
This study suggested that Femaxeen might be a good and safe option for the treatment of UI in women.
The fine print
This study included a limited number of participants. Further studies, with bigger populations are necessary. This study was funded by Sérélys Pharma, the manufacturer of Femaxeen.
Published By :
Maturitas
Date :
Mar 01, 2020
