Evaluation of a new disposable "tampon like" electrostimulation technology (Pelviva®) for the treatment of urinary incontinence in women: A 12-week single blind randomized controlled trial

Aims To test the null hypothesis that a novel disposable "tampon like" electrostimulation device (Pelviva®) is no better than unsupervised pelvic floor muscle exercise for treatment of urinary incontinence in women. Methods Pre/post-intervention assessor blinded, single center RCT. A total of 123 community dwelling self referred women with symptoms of stress, urge, or mixed incontinence were randomly assigned to one of two 12-week duration treatments: Pelviva® used for 30 min a day plus unsupervised pelvic floor muscle exercise or unsupervised exercises alone. Outcome measures included ICIQ-UI (primary), ICIQ FLUTSex and global impression of severity and improvement (secondary) completed at recruitment, after 4 weeks of unsupervised exercise and immediately post-treatment. Diary of exercise frequency/type, overall impression, and usage of device was completed mid- and post-treatment. Results Pelviva® plus exercise produced significantly better outcome than unsupervised exercise alone: 5 points (45%) versus 1 point (10%) for ICIQ-UI (P = 0.014); 67% versus 33% for leak frequency (P = 0.005); 40% versus 20% for leak interference with life (P = 0.018). Incontinence was less bothersome during sex to a greater extent in the Pelviva® group (P = 0.026). Women were enthusiastic about the device, found it comfortable/easy to use and experienced no adverse events. Conclusions The Pelviva® device plus unsupervised exercise is more successful than unsupervised pelvic floor muscle exercise alone in treating urinary incontinence. The device is easy/comfortable to use, there are no apparent adverse incidents, and women can manage their incontinence in the privacy of their own home. The product will be launched 2013. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.