Influence of Interferential Electrostimulation on the Sexual Function and Vaginal Microbiome in Women with Premature Ovarian Failure

Abstract

Women with Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), even though in use of hormone therapy (HT), present greater sexual dysfunction (SD) when compared to women of the same age with preserved gonad function. Thus, it is important to identify new therapeutic options which have fewer side effects. Electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor is a great option for this purpose. Interferential current (IC) is a physiotherapy treatment indicated to reduce pain, promote muscle relaxation and improve local blood circulation, and due to these characteristics, it becomes an eligible candidate to promote improvement in the sexual function of these women. It is likely that there are also changes in the vaginal microenvironment. Objective: To evaluate the influence of IC, compared with the use of topic estrogen cream, in the function of the pelvic floor muscles, sexual function and vaginal microbiome of women diagnosed with POF, in use of HT. Subjects and Methods: A randomized controlled study with. 40 women diagnosed with POF, between the ages of 18 and 45, sexually active and in use of oral HT, followed at the Endocrine Gynecology outpatient clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, at the Faculty of Medical Sciences - UNICAMP, will be included. The volunteers will be randomly assigned to treatment in a group of electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor with IC (Endophasys NMS-0501 Device - KLD Biosystems Electronic Equipment Ltd.) and a control group in use of topic vaginal estrogen. Vaginal secretion samples will be collected with the aid of ESwab Liquid-based Multipurpose Collection and Transport System for vaginal Microbiome check, evaluations of the contraction force, basal tone and endurance of the pelvic floor muscles, through electromyography (Miotool 400 device - Miotec Biomedical Equipment Ltd), and application of the FSFI questionnaire will be carried out before and after the implementation of CI sessions or topical estrogen use. Statistical Analysis: In order to evaluate the effect of the interventions on the performance of the pelvic floor muscles, sexual function and vaginal microbiome, data from before and after treatment will be assessed by Student's T test. Next, these results will be compared to those obtained in the group treated with topic estrogen via Student's T test. Conclusion: We seek to find new therapeutic options for sexual dysfunction and reduced lubrication, which are so prevalent in women with POF. (AU)