Objectives: To understand more about the Hi Intense Focused Electro-Magnetic HIFEM technology and its impact on sexual dysfunction in females
Introduction: It is estimated that above 40% of middle-aged women suffer from urinary incontinence, promoted by weakened muscles of the pelvic floor (PFM). As the female urinary and reproductive systems share anatomical structures, impairment of sexual function is often associated with deconditioned PFM. Recently, HIFEM procedure showed to be effective in the management of UI due to the PFM strengthening, assuming that sexual function might be enhanced as well. Aim of this study is to investigate the effect of HIFEM procedure for improvement of sexual function by PFM strengthening.
Materials / method: 15 patients (on average 46.9±14.0 years) were recruited. They completed six 28-minute treatments performed over the pelvic area. During the therapy, patients were seated on the chair with a built-in circular coil connected to a device. HIFEM intensity (0-100%) was adjusted according to the patient’s feedback. Study outcomes were evaluated by PISQ-12 short-form questionnaire filled at the baseline and 1-month post recruitment. Safety of treatment was also documented by oral examination after each treatment and after completing the Qs. 2 tailed paired t-test used for statistical analysis (α=5%).
Results: The average PISQ-12 total score at the baseline was 29.65.6. After completion of all treatments, the average score increased to 35.45.1, resulting in a significant difference of 5.8 (19.6%; P<0.001). Cronbach´s alpha, which provides information about the internal consistency of the data, exceeded 0.70 at both time points, generally considered as acceptable. Patients demonstrated greatest improvement in behavioural/emotive and partner-related domains, reporting more intense/frequent orgasms with greater sexual desire and satisfaction. No adverse events were found.
Conclusion: PFM strengthening by HIFEM procedure has a positive impact on women sexual function. Achieved results showed that such a procedure is a suitable complementary solution for improvement in the quality of sexual life, extending the variety of treatments offered in everyday practice.
Declaraciones
¿Ha recibido algún tipo de financiamiento para realizar su investigación sobre esta temática?
No
¿Ha recibido algún pago, honorario u otra compensación por su trabajo acerca de esta investigación?
No
¿Tiene vínculos financieros con alguna entidad que podría llegar a competir estrechamente con los medicamentos, materiales o instrumentos tratados en su investigación?
No
¿Posee o ha solicitado una patente relacionada a los materiales, productos o instrumentos utilizados en su investigación?
No
Este trabajo no cuenta con el apoyo de ningún financiamiento directo o indirecto. El autor asume plena responsabilidad sobre el mismo.