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Volume : 42 Issue : 3 Year : 2023
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pelviperineology. 2021; 40(4): 194-202 | DOI: 10.34057/PPj.2021.40.04.2021-7-7

Can interstitial cystitis be improved by the Integral Theory’s squatting-based pelvic floor exercises used for SUI, urge, nocturia, and emptying symptoms?

Patricia Margaret SKILLING1
1Previously Kvinno Centre Perth (Retired)

Background: The broadening of the Interstitial Cystitis (IC) definition from the traditional Hunner’s ulcer to Chronic pain of unknown origin plus one bladder symptom. Objective: This study aims to test the hypothesis that IC as now defined and posterior fornix syndrome (PFS) (symptoms of urge, frequency, nocturia, abnormal emptying) are similar conditions, both potentially curable by strengthening uterosacral ligaments by squatting-based exercises. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of two separate groups comprising 138 women in total who performed squatting-based exercises for SUI (stress urinary incontinence), OAB, pain and emptying symptoms. All patients had validated pelvic questionnaires, pad tests, diaries, ultrasound and urodynamics. Results: Across both groups of mainly premenopausal women, 61%–80% of the women had >50% improvement in symptoms of SUI, urge, frequency, nocturia, abnormal emptying, and post-void residual urine at a 3-month review. Thirty-seven out of 138 women from the 1st and 2nd studies fulfilled the ICS definition of Interstitial Cystitis (IC), chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and co-occurrence of one bladder symptom, which are the same or similar symptoms, in fact, as those characterizing PFS. The anatomic rationale for the cure was that the squatting-based exercises strengthen the 3 reflex muscles controlling bladder functions and the uterosacral ligaments these muscles contract against. Conclusion: Whether the conditions IC and PFS are one and the same or different, their component symptoms can, in the main, be >50% improved by a squatting-based exercise regime.


Cite This Article

SKILLING P. Can interstitial cystitis be improved by the Integral Theory’s squatting-based pelvic floor exercises used for SUI, urge, nocturia, and emptying symptoms?. 2021; 40(4): 194-202

Corresponding Author: SKILLING P.

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