Paula Method Compared to Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT), for Urinary Stress Incontinence

The Effectiveness of Circular Muscle Exercise (the Paula Method) as Compared to Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT), for Urinary Stress Incontinence (SUI) in Menopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The Investigators decided to examine whether the Paula method is more effective than Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) in terms of urinary leakage amount, as it measured by pad test in menopause women without an hormonal therapy. In addition to the pad test and two urinary incontinence questionnaires, we will use other assessment tools such as; quality of life and sexual function which have been found to correlate significantly with pad test results. These results may indicate that menopausal women with Stress Urinary Incontinence may be more successful controlling incontinence if they will practice the Paula method as compared to PFMT.

Inclusion Criteria:

• women after menopause (12 months with no period)
• aged 40 or more
• have a positive pad test leakage of 1-50 grams
• no systemic or local hormonal therapy
• literate in Hebrew and/or English

Exclusion Criteria:

• women suffering from illnesses which limit physical activity (cardiac, respiratory, psychiatric or neurological disorders)
• pelvic surgery within the last 6 months
• post hysterectomy or oophorectomy genital prolapse grade 3 or higher