Pelvic floor muscle training as a treatment for genitourinary syndrome of menopause: A single-arm feasibility study. (July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mercier, Joanie; Morin, Mélanie; Zaki, Dina; Reichetzer, Barbara; Lemieux, Marie-Claude; Khalifé, Samir; Dumoulin, Chantale
• Is Part Of: Maturitas. Volume 125(2019)
• Page Start: 57
• Page End: 62
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Subjects: GSM genitourinary syndrome of menopause -- UI urinary incontinence -- HT hormonal therapy -- PFM pelvic floor muscle training -- PFM pelvic floor muscle -- ADL activities of daily living -- QoL quality of life -- RCT randomised control trial -- BMI body mass index -- PRE1 pre-intervention 1 -- PRE2 pre-intervention 2 -- POST post-intervention -- MBS most bothersome symptom; Genitourinary syndrome of menopause -- Vaginal atrophy -- Physiotherapy -- Pelvic floor -- Quality of life -- Menopause; Climacteric -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Climacteric -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Middle Aged -- Periodicals; Climatère -- Périodiques; Ménopause -- Périodiques; Climacterium; Climacteric; Menopause; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 612.66
• DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.03.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-5122

Abstract

Highlights: Pelvic floor muscle training is a feasible treatment for women with vaginal atrophy. Pelvic floor muscle training decreased symptoms and signs of vaginal atrophy. Pelvic floor training reduced the impact of vaginal atrophy on women's quality of life and sexuality. Abstract: Objectives: Treatments for genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) may not be suitable for all women, may not be completely effective, and may cause adverse effects. Therefore, there is a need to explore new treatment approaches. The objectives were to evaluate the feasibility of using a pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program in postmenopausal women with GSM, and to investigate its effect on symptoms, signs, activities of daily living (ADL), quality of life (QoL) and sexual function. Study design: Postmenopausal women with GSM participated in a single-arm feasibility study embedded in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on PFMT for urinary incontinence. This substudy was composed of two pre-intervention evaluations, a 12-week PFMT program and a post-intervention evaluation. Main outcome measures: Feasibility was defined as study completion and participation in physiotherapy sessions and in-home exercises. The effects of the PFMT program were assessed by measuring GSM symptoms ('Most Bothersome Symptom' approach, ICIQ-UI SF), GSM signs (Vaginal Health assessment scale), GSM's impact on ADL (Atrophy Symptom questionnaire), QoL and sexual function (ICIQ-VS, ICIQ-FLUTSsex) and leakage episodes. Results: Thirty-two women participated. The study completion rate was high (91%), as was participation in treatment sessions (96%) and in-home exercises (95%). Post-intervention, there were significant reductions in GSM symptoms and signs (p < 0.01) as well as in its impacts on ADL, QoL and sexual function (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A study including a PFMT program is feasible, and the outcomes indicate PFMT to be an effective treatment approach for postmenopausal women with GSM and urinary incontinence. This intervention should be assessed through a RCT.