Electrical stimulation for urinary incontinence

Treatment Overview

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Electrical stimulation is used to treat urinary incontinence by sending a mild electric current to the pelvic muscles that are involved in urination.

How electrical stimulation works is not well understood. The stimulation may make the muscles contract, producing an effect similar to Kegel exercises, which strengthen the muscles by contracting them frequently. The stimulation may also encourage the growth of nerve cells that cause the muscles to contract.

You may be able to provide electrical stimulation therapy at home using a unit with a vaginal or anal electrode. Timing and duration of therapy varies. For example, your treatment may consist of 12 weeks during which you have 15-minute stimulation sessions twice a day.

Why It Is Done

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Electrical stimulation may be used to treat:

• Stress incontinence.
• Urge incontinence.
• Mixed stress and urge incontinence.

How Well It Works

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This treatment method has not been well studied, but it is safe and, for some people, effective. In one study, 49% of people using electrical stimulation reported improvement in symptoms of incontinence.¹

Risks

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Some pain may be experienced during this treatment.

What To Think About

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The difference is small between the amount of electrical current required to provide successful treatment and the amount that produces discomfort or pain.

Individuals vary in their ability to tolerate electrical stimulation.

Complete the special treatment information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this treatment.

References

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Citations

1. Thakar R, Stanton S (2000). Management of urinary incontinence in women. BMJ, 321(7272): 1326–1331.

Credits

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Author	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Associate Editor	Terrina Vail
Primary Medical Reviewer	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
Last Updated	September 22, 2006