Vaginal weights for pelvic floor training: A multiple participant case report

Abstract

Activity-related incontinence is a problem for women, many with limited access to specialty clinics and practitioners. Incontinence inhibits participation in health-promoting levels of physical activity. Vaginal weights are a treatment option available without a prescription for home use that may help some of these women. This multiple baseline across-participant case study investigated the use of weights in a ‘hands-off’ pelvic floor exercise program for pre-menopausal women. Three of four participants improved, but did not cure, their incontinence with use of the weights. A fourth participant was unable to successfully use the weights. Referral to a women's health physical therapist was suggested for her. Poor adherence was noted at follow-up in two of three participants, with the one who maintained practice demonstrating continued improvement and increased physical activity. Weights provide a low-cost exercise adjunct to women interested in a flexible and independent incontinence management program. For continued improvement, behavioral factors promoting adherence should also be addressed. Weights are one of the options for women wanting a low-cost solution for activity-related urinary leakage. Problems using the weights or failure to benefit from their use may be indicators of a need for more advanced evaluation by women's health specialists.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no declarations of interest.

This study was supported by a grant through the Student Award Program of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation.

Partial funding ($3,000 stipend) was received from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, which funds ‘Clinical and applied research on the health care system, including the delivery and financing of care’ and ‘Health initiatives that focus on the quality and costs of care, access to care, and social responsibility’.