E McKay1, R H Kaufman, U Doctor, Z Berkova, H Glazer, V Redko. 1. Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and of Anesthesiology, Baylor College of Medicine, 6550 Fannin, Suite 901, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of electromyographic biofeedback of pelvic floor musculature in the management of patients with moderate to severe vulvar vestibulitis syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-nine patients with moderate to severe vulvar vestibulitis syndrome were included in this study. Each patient was given a computerized electromyographic assessment of pelvic floor muscles. She was then provided with a portable electromyographic home trainer biofeedback device, and specific instructions were given to perform biofeedback-assisted pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation exercises. The patients received monthly evaluations of the pelvic floor muscles to ensure and motivate compliance and to monitor improvement and symptom changes. Patients were evaluated on a monthly basis for vestibulodynia and dyspareunia. RESULTS: Fifteen of the 29 treated patients (51.7%) demonstrated markedly decreased introital tenderness, and 14 of them (93.3%) were able to resume sexual activity without discomfort. Nine patients (31.0%) demonstrated a significant decrease in introital tenderness and pain, and six of the nine (66.7%) resumed sexual activity. Thus, 20 of the 29 women (69%) became sexually active. Following completion of treatment, 24 (88.9%) reported negligible or mild pain. Five of the 29 did not show any significant improvement, and none of them were able to resume sexual activity. Within six months of the start of therapy, 90% ultimately resuming sexual activity had done so. CONCLUSION: Electromyographic biofeedback of pelvic floor musculature is an effective approach to vulvar vestibulitis.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of electromyographic biofeedback of pelvic floor musculature in the management of patients with moderate to severe vulvar vestibulitis syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-nine patients with moderate to severe vulvar vestibulitis syndrome were included in this study. Each patient was given a computerized electromyographic assessment of pelvic floor muscles. She was then provided with a portable electromyographic home trainer biofeedback device, and specific instructions were given to perform biofeedback-assisted pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation exercises. The patients received monthly evaluations of the pelvic floor muscles to ensure and motivate compliance and to monitor improvement and symptom changes. Patients were evaluated on a monthly basis for vestibulodynia and dyspareunia. RESULTS: Fifteen of the 29 treated patients (51.7%) demonstrated markedly decreased introital tenderness, and 14 of them (93.3%) were able to resume sexual activity without discomfort. Nine patients (31.0%) demonstrated a significant decrease in introital tenderness and pain, and six of the nine (66.7%) resumed sexual activity. Thus, 20 of the 29 women (69%) became sexually active. Following completion of treatment, 24 (88.9%) reported negligible or mild pain. Five of the 29 did not show any significant improvement, and none of them were able to resume sexual activity. Within six months of the start of therapy, 90% ultimately resuming sexual activity had done so. CONCLUSION: Electromyographic biofeedback of pelvic floor musculature is an effective approach to vulvar vestibulitis.
Authors: Barbara Wagner; Margarete Steiner; Dominikus Franz Xaver Huber; Richard Crevenna Journal: Wien Klin Wochenschr Date: 2021-03-22 Impact factor: 1.704