Effects of electrical intravaginal stimulation on bladder volume: an experimental and clinical study

Abstract

Clinical observations have indicated that not only stress incontinence due to defective urethral closure but also urge incontinence due to bladder hyperactivity can be successfully treated by electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor. Clinical investigations revealed that intravaginal electrical stimulation caused bladder inhibition registered as a volume increase. This inhibition was most marked at a low stimulation frequency (10 Hz). Animal experiments indicated that the bladder inhibition was achieved by autonomic spinal reflex mechanisms activated by stimulation of pudendal afferents.