The Therapeutic Effect of Monopolar Radiofrequency Therapy on Urinary Symptoms and Sexual Function

• Published in: Biomedicines
• Main Authors: Cheng-Yu Long, Chieh-Yu Chang, I-Chieh Sung, Zi-Xi Loo, Kun-Ling Lin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2024-10-01
• Subjects: stress urinary incontinence (SUI); radiofrequency (RF) therapy; female sexual function; Viveve^® System; urodynamic studies; non-surgical treatment
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/12/10/2288

<b>Objectives:</b> Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) negatively affects the quality of life and sexual function in women. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) therapy in reducing SUI symptoms and its impact on sexual function. <b>Methods:</b> Thirty-four women with SUI were enrolled and underwent a single RF treatment session using the Viveve^® System (Viveve Medical Inc., USA) with parameters of 90 J/cm² and 220 pulses per hour. Assessments at baseline and 6 months post treatment included perineal ultrasound and personal interviews to evaluate lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual function. Urodynamic studies, voiding diaries, and questionnaires such as the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7), and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire—Short Form (ICIQ-SF) measured outcomes. <b>Results:</b> RF therapy significantly improved sexual function, with higher FSFI scores in all domains except pain at 6 months. SUI symptoms were significantly reduced, as indicated by improved scores on OABSS, UDI-6, IIQ-7, and ICIQ-SF, alongside better voiding diary results. Anatomical changes included reduced bladder neck mobility, decreased vaginal width, and a reduced rotation angle of the proximal urethra. <b>Conclusions:</b> RF therapy is effective and safe for treating mild to moderate SUI and enhances sexual function, potentially due to changes in vaginal topography. These results suggest RF therapy as a viable non-surgical option for managing SUI and improving sexual health.