Microablative radiofrequency combined with pelvic floor muscle training improves stress urinary incontinence symptoms

This study investigated the effectiveness of radiofrequency (RF) in stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Researchers suggested that the combination of RF and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) improved urinary symptoms in patients with SUI.

SUI consists of the leakage of urine caused by a physical movement that puts pressure on the bladder such as coughing or sneezing. The standard first-line treatment is PFMT. However, this has limited effectiveness with improvement rates between 56 to 70%.

RF inserts a needle through the skin into the pelvic area. High-frequency electrical currents are passed through the needle which creates a region of heat. This treatment increases the rate of cell repairing. Prior studies with RF shown improvements in urinary symptoms. However, no studies have compared RF with the standard PFMT treatment.

This study included information about 117 women with SUI. Participants received either 3 RF sessions a month (group 1), 12 weekly sessions of PFMT (group 2), or a combination of both treatments (group 3). All participants were assessed at the start and 30 days after the end of therapy.

Urinary symptoms significantly improved in all three groups after treatment. Group 3 had a higher improvement rate. One-hour pad test results were similar between the three groups.

RF was associated with improved vaginal symptoms. Vaginal elasticity improved similarly in all groups. Vaginal health was better in groups 1 and 3. Sexual function improved in groups 1 and 2.

This study concluded that RF combined with PFMT improved SUI symptoms in women.  

This study included a short-term follow-up period. Further studies with extended follow-up periods are needed.