Transcutaneous Mechanical Nerve Stimulation Using Perineal Vibration: A Novel Method for the Treatment of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence

Purpose: We defined basic guidelines for transcutaneous mechanical nerve stimulation in modifying pelvic floor responses in women and determined the efficacy of transcutaneous mechanical nerve stimulation in treating stress urinary incontinence.Materials and Methods: Perineal and clitoral transcutaneous mechanical nerve stimulation was performed in healthy volunteers while measuring changes in peak urethral pressure to determine optimal vibration amplitude and site of stimulation. Perineal transcutaneous mechanical nerve stimulation was then performed weekly for 6 weeks in a cohort of women with stress urinary incontinence (33). Reduction in incontinence episodes and pad use on voiding diary were compared from baseline to 6 weeks. Global efficacy was determined at 6 weeks and 3 months after the completion of the program.Results: In healthy subjects a vibration amplitude of 2.0 mm resulted in the highest urethral pressure increase. Although the increase with perineal transcutaneous mechanical nerve stimula...