Microablative radiofrequency versus pelvic floor muscle training for stress urinary incontinence: a randomized controlled trial.

The efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) in stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is as yet unknown. The aim was to compare the effect of fractional microablative RF and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) against the combination of both therapies (RF + PFMT) in the SUI and on genitourinary syndrome (GSM).

This was a three-arm randomized clinical trial including 117 climacteric women with SUI. In group 1 the treatment consisted of three monthly sessions of RF; in group 2 it was 12 weekly PFMT sessions; in group 3 it was RF + PFMT simultaneously. Assessments at baseline and 30 days after the end of therapy were conducted using validated questionnaires and scales for urinary, vaginal, and sexual functions and cytology for vaginal trophy.

Urinary scores improved significantly in all three groups post-treatment (p < 0.001) with a higher improvement in the RF + PFMT group (p = 0.002). One-hour pad test results were equal in the three groups. Vaginal symptoms showed an incremental improvement in RF (p < 0.007), and vaginal laxity showed a similar improvement in the three groups (p = 0.323). Vaginal Health Index score was more significant in RF and RF + PFMT groups. Sexual function improved in RF and PFMT.

The association between RF and PFMT showed significant improvement in the SUI symptoms assessed by questionnaire. The vaginal symptoms and dryness showed greater improvement in the RF treatment and vaginal laxity showed similar improvement in the three groups. The combination of RF and PFMT in sexual function did not show benefits superior to those achieved by the therapies alone.

International urogynecology journal. 2021 Apr 10 [Epub ahead of print]

Helena Slongo, Ana Lygia B Lunardi, Cássio L Z Riccetto, Helymar C Machado, Cássia R T Juliato

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Campinas Faculty of Medical Sciences, Campinas, SP, Brazil., Department of Surgery, University of Campinas Faculty of Medical Sciences, Campinas, SP, Brazil., Statistics Department, University of Campinas Faculty of Medical Sciences, Campinas, SP, Brazil., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Campinas Faculty of Medical Sciences, Campinas, SP, Brazil. .