Electromagnetic pelvic floor stimulation: Applications for the gynecologist

The therapeutic potential of magnetic energy has been a subject of long-sta nding interest within both conventional and alternative medical practice. N umerous devices using magnetic fields, ranging from the dubious to truly in novative, have claimed a wide variety of clinical benefits. For gynecologis ts involved with the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor and bladder dy sfunction, magnetic stimulation of the sacral nerve roots and peripheral ne rves continues to evolve as a noninvasive treatment alternative. The conduc tion characteristics of magnetic energy confer several practical advantages for its use. This article reviews the use of electromagnetic stimulation f or treatment of common urogynecologic conditions, and provides an historica l overview of the therapeutic application of electromagnetic energy. Target Audience: Obstetrics & Gynecologists, Family Physicians Learning Objectives: After completion of this article, the reader will be a ble to describe the mechanism by which electromagnetic stimulation can be u sed to treat various conditions, to list the various gynecologic conditions that are amenable to therapy with electromagnetic stimulation, and to comp are electromagnetic stimulation and electrical stimulation.