Combined Vaginal Pelvic Floor Electrical Stimulation (PFS) and Local Vaginal Estrogen for Treatment of Overactive Bladder (OAB) in Perimenopausal Females. Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of combined vaginal pelvic floor electrical stimulation (PFS) and local vaginal estrogen in treatment of female overactive bladder (OAB).

Material and methods: This is a randomized controlled trial carried out on 315 perimenopausal females with OAB who were randomly allocated into 3 equal groups. Group A underwent PFS using vaginal probes twice weekly for 12 sessions. Group B received local vaginal estrogen, whereas group C received both PFS and local estrogen. All patients were evaluated by a voiding diary, quality-of-life questionnaire, vaginal examination, urine analysis, blood sugar, ultrasonography, and urodynamic study before and after therapy. Patients were followed up 1 week, 3, and 6 months post-therapy. The analyzed variables included day and night time frequency, incontinence episodes, urgency, quality of life, detrusor overactivity), and functional bladder capacity). Outcome measure was urge incontinence.

Results: Within each group, there was a statistically significant improvement in all variables after treatment. Improvement of urgency was better in group C than in groups A and B (P = .000, .009). Improvement of incontinence was better in groups A and C than in group B (P = .005, .004). Follow-up showed worsening of symptoms within 6 months in all groups except incontinence in group C.

Conclusion: Vaginal PFS and estrogen found to be effective in treating OAB symptoms in perimenopausal females. Estrogen seems to augment the effect of PFS especially in the treatment of urgency incontinence and can delay its recurrence.