Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of high-intensity focused electromagnetic stimulation of pelvic floor muscles and radiofrequency exposure for treatment of female sexual dysfunction across various age groups

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Female sexual dysfunction affects patients’ quality of life. Multifactorial causes include age-related, physical, and psychological characteristics.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological methods for restoring sexual function in women of different age groups.

METHODS: A prospective observational study included 90 women aged over 18 years with complaints of sexual dysfunction. Patients were divided into three equal groups: reproductive age (21–46 years), perimenopausal (47–53 years), and postmenopausal (54–72 years). Each patient received non-pharmacological treatment: high-intensity focused electromagnetic stimulation of pelvic floor muscles (HIFEM therapy) using the BTL Emsella device (BTL, UK), radiofrequency lifting using the BTL EXILIS device (BTL, UK), or combined non-pharmacological exposure using both methods. Medical history, clinical and instrumental data were analyzed. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) questionnaires were assessed at baseline and 1 and 3 months after treatment.

RESULTS: Improvement in sexual function was observed in all women. HIFEM therapy demonstrated the highest effectiveness in the reproductive-age group. Radiofrequency exposure was most effective in peri- and postmenopausal women. The combined approach was more effective than each method alone. One month after therapy, FSFI > 26.55 was achieved by 18 (60%) women of reproductive age, 12 (40%) of perimenopausal age, and 5 (17%) of postmenopausal age (p = 0.003). Three months after therapy, SQOL-F > 65 was achieved by 28 (93%) women of reproductive age, 15 (50%) of perimenopausal age, and 12 (40%) of postmenopausal age, p = 0.0001. Favorable outcome factors included age <57 years, FSFI > 13.5 1 month after treatment initiation, perineometry >10.5 mmHg at 1 month, and >12.5 mmHg at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS: HIFEM therapy has a positive effect on women’s sexual function, and its effect is maintained for three months. This course may be recommended for reproductive-age patients. Radiofrequency exposure is most effective in peri- and postmenopausal women. The combined approach was more effective than each method alone. Treatment effectiveness criteria may include age <57 years and FSFI ≥ 13.5 one month after the initiation of any type of therapy.

About the authors

Ekaterina N. Zhumanova

Center of gynecology, oncology, reproductive and aesthetic medicine, Clinical Hospital “MEDSI”

Author for correspondence.
Email: ekaterinazhumanova@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-3016-4172
SPIN-code: 3437-7865

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Professor

Russian Federation, Otradnoe

Dagmara I. Kolgaeva

Center of gynecology, oncology, reproductive and aesthetic medicine, Clinical Hospital “MEDSI”

Email: dagmusya@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5068-5325
SPIN-code: 3915-1427

MD, Cand. Sci. (Medicine)

Russian Federation, Otradnoe

Natalia B. Korchazhkina

Russian Scientific Center of Surgery named after academician B.V. Petrovsky

Email: n9867678103@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-6913-8778
SPIN-code: 9733-7646

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Professor

Russian Federation, Moscow

Elisaveta S. Koneva

Center of gynecology, oncology, reproductive and aesthetic medicine, Clinical Hospital “MEDSI”; Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University

Email: elizaveta.coneva@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-9859-194X
SPIN-code: 8200-2155

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Professor

Russian Federation, Otradnoe; Moscow

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