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37: Pelvic Floor Electrical Stimulation

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DOI:

10.1891/9780826124623.0037

Authors

Carcio, Helen A.

Abstract

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common condition defined as an involuntary leakage of urine. Women is twice as likely to be affected as men, and prevalence increases with age. Nonsurgical treatment options may include pharmacological treatment, pelvic muscle exercises (PMEs), bladder training exercises, and electrical stimulation. Pelvic floor stimulation is proposed as a nonsurgical treatment option for women with pelvic floor dysfunction. This chapter describes in detail the pelvic floor electrical stimulation (PFES). PFES involves the electrical stimulation of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) through a battery-powered control unit that initiates and regulates the output of electrical stimulation to the electrodes. PFES is thought to improve partially denervated urethral and pelvic floor musculature by enhancing the process of reinnervation. The chapter presents indications and contraindications to pelvic floor electrical stimulation. PFES is indicated for patients with: stress incontinence, urge incontinence. PFES is contraindicated for patients with dementia, absent or diminished sensation.