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Physicians may prefer to prescribe the use of 12.5 Hz for patients with urge incontinence, as some studies support the use of lower frequency for optimal inhibition of bladder contractions.
Similarly, physicians may prefer to prescribe 50 Hz for patients with pure stress incontinence.
Patients with mixed incontinence can alternate between the two channels from session to session (For example, 12.5 Hz in the morning and 50 Hz in the evening).
To receive maximum benefits, most patients should use the Athena PMT for 15 minutes, twice a day. Regular use of the PMT is necessary for improvement to occur. Encourage the patient to take an active part in the treatment and to try to be as consistent as possible in use.
When used consistently, patients with urge incontinence should show improvement in 2 to 4 weeks. Those with stress incontinence should show improvement in 12 to 14 weeks.
Assessing Success
To assess treatment success, we recommend that the patient keep a one week voiding diary prior to treatment and immediately following treatment. We also recommend a follow-up visit at week two of treatment to verify compliance and to address any concerns. The physician may wish to have the patient complete a voiding diary midway through treatment and evaluate progress with a patient visit between weeks six and eight of treatment.
Achieving Success
It is important to establish goals and guidelines for determining success with the patient. Frequently a patient's perception of success does not correlate with objective findings. By setting reasonable and mutually agreeable goals for "significant improvement" or "cure," physician and patient will establish an acceptable measure for success.
When used for the recommended twice daily 15 minute sessions, typically most patients suffering from urge incontinence will see improvement in two to four weeks. Patients with stress incontinence, or incontinence associated with sphincter weakness, usually see significant improvement in six to eight weeks. A standard treatment program for pelvic floor stimulation is 12 to 14 weeks.
If the problem is not resolved in the treatment period and the patient continues to show improvement, continue the therapy twice a day until there is no further improvement.
It is recommended that patients continue to use the Athena PMT on a periodic basis even after the goal is reached. This will ensure that the pelvic muscles stay strong and will help to eliminate any further problems
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