PELVIC FLOOR STIMULATOR

The incontinence stimulator is a battery operated pulse generator that stimulates the muscles of the pelvic floor by means of a vaginal or rectal electrode. The unit has a single controllable channel which the electrode is connected to.
The stimulator has 5 preset programmes. The programme type and the intensity of stimulation are controlled by push buttons. 
 
Electrical stimulation/ neuromodulation may be able to help a range of pelvic floor dysfunctions 
Stress urinary incontinence
Urge urinary incontinence
Bladder urgency
Faecal incontinence
Faecal urgency
Pelvic pain
Painful sex
Period pain
Pelvic pain of any origin
 
How does electrical stimulation work?
When electrical stimulation is applied to the body, it creates a flow or current of electrically charged particles, which in turn creates physiological changes in the tissue through which the charge flows. Therefore if you apply electrical stimulation to the pelvic floor muscles, you can create changes in these muscles.
Pelvic floor electrical stimulation is usually a pulsed “bi-directional and biphasic” current. This means that charged particles move in one direction, drop to zero, and then change direction. This type of current reduces the chance of skin and tissue irritation.
 
Research suggests that electrical stimulation can:
Increase the proportion of fast twitch fibers of the pelvic floor muscles
Increase the number and strength of slow twitch fibers of the pelvic floor muscles making it easier to achieve stronger pelvic muscle contractions.
Help reduce the bladder over-activity and bladder contractions that cause urge incontinence, frequency and urgency problems
Help reduce faecal incontinence and urgency
Help reduce the experience of pain
 
Who should NOT use electrical stimulation?
Some people cannot use electrical stimulation including those with:
Cardiac pacemaker or cardiac arrhythmia
Pregnancy or planning a pregnancy
Broken/irritated skin in the rectal, vaginal or perineal area
Rectal bleeding or haemorrhoids
Bladder or vaginal infections
Seizure and dementia conditions
 
CAUTION check with your health professional before using internal electrical stimulation if you have:
an IUD - do not use with a copper IUD
Check with your doctor if you have a Mirena or similar. One of the concerns is you may accidentally pull the device out when you remove the electrode from the vagina.
a pessary in place, you can remove it before and then replace it afterwards if you have been taught how - check with your treating health professional
had hip joint replacement if using internally for pelvic floor - check with your doctor