Impact of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on quality of life among women suffering from stress urinary incontinence after first childbirth: a feasibility study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the feasibility of performing a randomized controlled trial comparing Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) and behavioral advice only for postpartum SUI. Results: A feasibility study was performed with 207 women in 7-16 weeks postpartum at community postpartum clinics. Women reporting SUI were randomized to an intervention group (n=15), which followed an organized PFMT programme for six weeks and a control group (n=14). Control group was advised on routine postnatal care with behavioral advice. Both groups were assessed for QoL using a validated incontinence-quality of life (I-QOL) questionnaire at recruitment and in six weeks. There were 14% (29/207) of women suffering from SUI amongst the study sample. Before intervention there was no difference between I-QOL score in both groups. There was significant improvement (p Conclusion: SUI is a common postpartum problem in this urban cohort of Lankan women. These women can be effectively treated improving their QOL with PFMT intervention.