What is pelvic floor stimulation?
Nerves trigger muscles to contract, and repeated contractions over several weeks can build both muscle strength and endurance. Using this principle, pelvic floor stimulation causes nerves to contract and strengthen the muscles that control the release of urine. Pelvic floor stimulation has been used effectively to improved urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control) for more than 25 years. More recently, doctors have also used this treatment for chronic bladder pain, frequent or uncomfortable urination, and other disorders that cause pain in the pelvic area.
How does pelvic floor stimulation work?
Pelvic floor stimulation delivers a weak electrical current to the nerves that contract and relax the muscles of the pelvic floor and bladder. These nerves receive current through a tampon-shaped sensor that is placed in the vagina or rectum. The sensor is attached to, powered by, and monitored by a computer device. Treatments may be once or more each week for several weeks or months. Other names for pelvic floor stimulation include electrical stimulation and e-stim.
Pelvic floor stimulation is not painful. Some people describe a tightening or lifting of the pelvic floor muscles. Others feel nothing or perhaps a light tapping or mild tingling sensation. Some people are concerned that they will have sexual sensations, but pelvic floor stimulation does not create a sexual response.
Weakness of the pelvic floor muscles may cause urine to leak. Similarly, irregular contractions or tension in these muscles may cause incontinence (urge incontinence) or pain. Nerve stimulation may strengthen some of the muscles which support and control the bladder, but may relax other muscles. Over time, pelvic floor stimulation may strengthen bladder control muscles and relax uncontrolled muscle spasms. Both effects may improve incontinence.
Pelvic floor stimulation may be more successful when combined with life-style changes including weight loss, decreased caffeine intake, regular bowel movements, smoking cessation, and drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. Kegel exercises (pelvic floor muscle exercises), hormone replacement therapy or other medications, and biofeedback may also be added to increase the effectiveness of pelvic floor stimulation.
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