Introduction:
Persistent and recurrent problems can occur with desire, sexual response, arousal, and orgasm. Otherwise, pain and distress can strain the relationship with the partner. Such concerns are medically termed sexual dysfunction. It is known that many women encounter problems with their sexual function at some point in their lives and might face challenges throughout their life. Female sexual dysfunction is moderate and can occur at any stage of life.
Nevertheless, it occurs in either certain sexual situations or all sexual situations. It can include a range of causes since one’s sexual response incorporates an intricate interplay of physiological phenomena, experiences, beliefs, emotions, lifestyle, and relationships. So, interruptions to any of these determinants can affect one's sexual desire, urge, arousal, and satisfaction. The treatment for sexual dysfunction consists of varied approaches rather than one specific approach.
What Is Vaginal Electrical Stimulation (VES)?
Vaginal electrical stimulation is a female-specific technique used for enhancing the strength, stability, and longevity of the muscles that are located within the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor muscles perform in an organized way to keep up the efficacy of the urinary and bowel system. The muscles related to the pelvic floor and the pelvic framework are also essential for women’s sexual health and function. This is due to the significant involvement of the muscles of the pelvic floor in sexual functions like arousal, lubrication, and orgasm (climax). Therefore, the pelvic floor muscles sometimes require toning and strengthening for better sexual function. This technique is often used along with several others in pelvic floor physical therapy for women.
How Does Vaginal Electrical Stimulation Work?
Vaginal electrical stimulation aims to strengthen and rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles in the conditions such as sexual problems, pelvic pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, and urinary incontinence. In this technique, electrodes are placed within and over the vagina so the electric currents are specifically delivered to the pelvic floor muscles. The specific placement of the electrodes and their setting can be varied according to the individual condition and the treatment goals.
The steps involved in the procedure of VES include:
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The initial step of vaginal electrical stimulation involves the application of lubricant to a small sensor.
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Then, the small sensor is placed inside the vagina.
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Sensor placement is followed by gradually delivering a very low voltage current through the sensor.
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This appropriate current stimulates the nerves associated with the pelvic floor muscles. Stimulation results in contraction of the muscles, exerting them.
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Subsequently, the strength of the voltage of the current can be adjusted to a lower or higher degree according to the individual's comfort.
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The amount of time the current persists can also be adjusted.
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Generally, vaginal electrical stimulation involves a short duration of current succeeding with a break or rest period.
Concept of Vaginal Electrical Stimulation:
The mechanism of VES is muscle contraction and relaxation. The electrical stimulation through electrodes induces the muscles of the pelvic floor to contract and then relax. It provides a form of exercise therapy for easing the promotion of muscle tone and strength.
Who Performs Vaginal Electrical Stimulation?
Vaginal electrical stimulation can be delivered by various methods, such as vaginal pads, cones, and probes. But, it is important to consider that VES should be implemented only under the supervision and care of licensed healthcare professionals. It is strictly not meant to be performed by a patient or an attendee. With appropriate care and supervision, the VES technique can be safe and effective in treating a wide range of concerns and improving the quality of life in many women.
What Are the Potential Benefits of Vaginal Electrical Stimulation?
Vaginal electrical stimulation is generally used to treat the following condition.
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Pelvic Organ Prolapse: This condition results when one or more organs of the pelvic frame slip down from the actual position, bulging into the vagina. This can be the uterus, bladder, bowel, or top part of the vagina. Pelvic organ prolapse is not a life-threatening condition, but it causes pain and discomfort.
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Urinary Incontinence: A sudden or accidental urine leakage is known as urinary incontinence. A lack of bladder control primarily characterizes this condition. Electrical stimulation help treat urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency.
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Sexual Dysfunction: Persistent or repetitive problems with any phase of the sexual cycle, including desire, lubrication, orgasm, and pain. Vaginal electrical stimulation has proven to be effective in enhancing sexual function.
As it helps to strengthen the muscles responsible for the above condition, VES can improve overall health, mental state, and quality of life.
How Effective Is Vaginal Electrical Stimulation in Enhancing Sexual Function?
The studies have demonstrated that VES could help females with pelvic floor problems and sexual concerns. The safety and efficacy of vaginal electrical stimulation for treating concerns like sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence have been proven. Here is one clinical or scientific evidence demonstrating the efficacy of VES. In December 2014, a study aimed at evaluating whether the VES technique can help females with sexual dysfunction alone, without their pelvic floor problems. The trial analyzed data and problems from two groups reported as having sexual problems. Here, one group received a placebo, while another group of women received VES treatment. The overall outcome shows that VES is efficient in enhancing sexual function. But there were no marked differences between the two groups.
Conclusion:
Vaginal electrical stimulation (VES) is a therapeutic technique that applies low-voltage electrical current to the pelvic floor or vaginal area for varied purposes, including urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction. An important note is that the VES technique is a specialized treatment that should be employed only with professional guidance.
Women who have sexual problems and feel that specifically VES or pelvic floor physical therapy as a complete therapy could have benefited are recommended to talk to healthcare professionals. The doctors might advise this technique after making an appropriate diagnosis and assessing the patient's needs. The doctors generally prescribe the VES techniques, in particular, or in combination with other techniques for improving the tone and strength of pelvic floor muscles to enhance sexual satisfaction.
