In a nutshell
This article investigated the safety and effectiveness of magnetic stimulation (MS) in female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
The authors concluded that MS is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with SUI.
Some background
SUI is the involuntary loss of urine during an activity such as sneezing, coughing, exercise. One treatment option includes Kegel exercises (pelvic floor muscle training). Unfortunately, they are time-consuming and women have trouble being consistent with the exercise regimen. This can affect the treatment being successful.
An alternative treatment option is with MS (helps to contract the pelvic floor muscles and prevent involuntary leakage of urine by using magnetic fields). However, the overall effectiveness and safety of this therapy are still under investigation.
Methods & findings
The study analyzed 4 other clinical trials including 232 patients overall. They received either MS or placebo stimulation (PS; non-active magnets).
The MS group had significantly fewer urine leaks over 3 days compared to PS. The MS group also had significantly less urine on pads over 24 hours and fewer incontinence episodes. They also had a higher quality of life compared to the PS group. No side effects were reported in the MS group.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that MS is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with SUI.
Published By :
Medicine
Date :
May 01, 2019
