Use of Intravaginal Electrical Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Clinical Trial

Author(s)

Bernardes, Nicole de Oliveira ; Marques, Andrea ; Ganunny, Camila ; Bahamondes, Luis

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE; v. 55, n. 1-2, p. 19-24, JAN-FEB 2010.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of intravaginal electrical stimulation (IVES) or placebo in women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) with no apparent cause. STUDY DESIGN: A double-blind, crossover, randomized clinical trial in which 26 women were randomly allocated to active (group I, n = 15) or placebo (group II, n = 11.) IVES. All women underwent 10 30-minute, twice-Weekly sessions. The groups were then crossed over for a further 10 sessions. Pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale WAS) before and after each series. RESULTS: At the end of the first series, 5 of 11 women who initiated with the placebo had a VAS pain score >3 (p = 0.0253); however, when they crossed over to active IVES, only I had a VAS pain score >3 at the end of the series (p = 0.0143). In the 15 women who initiated with active IVES, 2 had a score >3 at the end of the series (P = 0.0005); however, when they crossed over to the placebo, 3 had a VAS pain score >3 at the end of treatment (p = 0.0833). After the 2 sessions, 54.6% who initiated With placebo and 80% who initiated with active IVES had a VAS pain score <3. CONCLUSION: Intravaginal electrical stimulation was more effective than a placebo in alleviating pain in women with CPP. (J Reprod Med 2010;55:19-24) (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 03/08391-7 - Evaluation of the clinical and molecular repercussions of the use of contraceptives that contain only progestogen
• Grantee: Luis Guillermo Bahamondes
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants