Researchers from Londrina State University have demonstrated that vaginal electrical stimulation and transcutaneous electrical tibial nerve stimulation can help treat overactive bladder syndrome in women, with findings published in a peer reviewed journal focused on neurourology and urodynamics. These results add to a growing body of evidence that nonpharmacological approaches may offer meaningful relief for individuals dealing with this condition, particularly when symptoms disrupt daily routines and sleep. The study contributes to a broader understanding of how targeted electrical therapies can modulate pelvic floor and bladder signaling in a safe, clinically monitored setting.
The investigation enrolled 69 women diagnosed with overactive bladder and assigned them to receive either 12 sessions of vaginal electrical stimulation or transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation over a six‑week period. To gauge the impact of the treatments, researchers relied on standardized measures including the ICIQ‑OAB questionnaire, a validated discomfort scale, and daily urination diaries. The design aimed to capture not only changes in symptom severity but also how these therapies affected day‑to‑day life, sleep, and overall well‑being. By focusing on multiple facets of the condition, the study sought to present a comprehensive view of patient experience beyond raw symptom counts.
Across the cohort, both interventions produced a noticeable drop in ICIQ‑OAB scores, reflecting meaningful improvements in urinary urgency and frequency. On average, vaginal electrical stimulation yielded a reduction of about 4.2 points on the ICIQ‑OAB scale, while transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation achieved an average decrease of approximately 3.8 points. These shifts indicate that either modality can effectively lessen the burden of symptoms for many women, with the gains measurable using established clinical instruments. Importantly, the study observed that improvements extended beyond numerical scores, translating into enhanced daily functioning and reduced distress during urinary events.
When it comes to quality of life and perceived comfort, both therapies performed well under the same stimulation parameters, underscoring the potential for flexible treatment planning. Yet, there was a notable difference in perceived durability: participants undergoing transcutaneous stimulation reported longer‑lasting benefits after the conclusion of the treatment course. This finding suggests that while vaginal stimulation may deliver robust short‑term relief, the lasting effects of tibial nerve stimulation could offer an advantage for sustaining improvements between follow‑ups. Taken together, the results support the use of these noninvasive options as part of a broader strategy to manage overactive bladder, especially for patients seeking alternatives to medications or seeking to diversify their symptom management toolkit.