Short-Term Efficacy of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training and Bladder Training in Postmenopausal Women with Obesity, Wide Genital Hiatus and Overactive Bladder Syndrome

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of short-term pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and bladder training (BT) vs. PFMT alone on urogenital symptoms and the quality of life in postmenopausal women with obesity, wide genital hiatus (GH) and overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome. Material and Methods: The study included a total of 104 patients with 36 (mean age: 55.22±9.68 years, mean body mass index: 30.63±4,41 kg/m2) completing the study. The patients were divided into two groups to receive PFMT-alone (n=20) or PFMT+BT (n=16) for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes were assessed using OAB questionnaire form, Modified Oxford Score (MOS), pad test and voiding diary with secondary outcomes being assessed using Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), Pelvic Organ Prolapse/ Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12). Results: Statistically significant improvement was observed in OAB scores and voiding functions in both groups (p<0.05). Improvement in MOS was statistically significant in PFMT+BT group compared to the PFMTalone group (p=0.003, p=0.083). No statistically significant improvement was detected in IIQ-7 and PISQ-12 scores in either group (p>0.05). Conclusion: In postmenopausal women with obesity, enlarged GH and OAB syndrome, PFMT-alone and PFMT+BT can be recommended because it improves urinary incontinence symptoms and voiding functions in the short term. Neither treatment method had a beneficial impact on urinary incontinence related quality of life or sexual functions.