The Effect of Functional Electrical Stimulation(FES) - Biofeedback on Sexual Activity and Quality of Life in Female Stress Urinary Incontinence

Lee, Yong Chan; Yoon, Hana; Park, Young Yo

Abstract

PURPOSE: Pelvic floor muscles play an important role in female sexual function. Urinary incontinence is one of the complex symptoms of pelvic floor relaxation. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of behavioral treatment on the sexual life variables and quality of life in stress urinary incontinent women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fifty women with clinically and urodynamically proven stress urinary incontinence were randomly selected, and treated with functional electrical stimulation (FES) -Biofeedback. The FES-Biofeedback treatment was performed for 20 min per session, 2 sessions a week, for 6 weeks. The treatment consisted of electrical stimulation (35Hz and 50Hz, simultaneously) for 24 seconds, and the biofeedback, composed of 3 phases of contraction, lasted for 32 seconds. The outcome measures on the sexual life variables and quality of life scales were assessed by the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire and a self-developed questionnaire, based on the Brief index of sexual Functioning for women (BISF-W).
RESULTS
The general quality of life scores were significantly improved after 6 weeks of FES-Biofeedback (p<0.05). The quality of orgasms, sexual interest, sexual activity and sexual anxiety were significantly improved after the FES-Biofeedback (p<0.05). Changes in the scores for the degree of satisfaction in those variables also showed statistical significance (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Women with incontinence were dissatisfied with their sexual life due to various symptoms associated with their urinary symptoms or symptoms that result from pelvic floor relaxation. The FES-Biofeedback therapy showed positive effects on improving, not only stress incontinence, but also sexual life variables and the life quality.