Effect of HIFEM® Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in Women in Primary Care. A Randomized Controlled Trial

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a condition with involuntary leakage of urine. UI has a significant impact on health related quality of life, poorer sleep quality and sexual function, reduced participation in social and physical activities and is associated with large health care charge. Non-surgical method is always recommended as first action with a step-by-step care starting from non-invasive to more invasive interventions. Systematic overview shows that available non-surgical treatment options in primary care indicated low results in improving effect. HIFEM® technology is a non-invasive method and studies showed significant result on women with UI. For Swedish healthcare HIFEM® is a new medical technology product to treat UI. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the HIFEM® effect in women seeking primary care.

The aim is to evaluate the effect of high-intensity electromagnetic energy (HIFEM®) on pelvic floor muscles, urinary leakage, sexual function, and health-related quality of life in women with urinary leakage in Swedish primary care, as well as to evaluate cost-effectiveness.

The intervention included six 30 minutes HIFEM® sessions once a week over six weeks compared with control group.

The results are expected to lead to effective non-surgical treatment options that can reach many patients, contribute to improving existing routines and can be a new potential way to support health promotion care in primary care and be a cost-effective investment.