OBJECTIVE:

To compare the outcomes of electrostimulation with a superficial and an intravaginal electrode in patients with chronic pelvic pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Retrospective cohort study performed in patients attended, between April 2017 and April 2019, at the Gynecological Urology Clinic of the National Institute of Perinatology where they received electrostimulation sessions to relieve chronic pelvic pain. Patients with chronic pelvic pain who received treatment with vaginal electrode or surface electrode, 8 to 12 sessions, were included as analgesic therapy with superficial transcutaneous electrical stimulation. Pain intensity was assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS) and the percentage decrease at the beginning, middle and end of treatment. Descriptive statistics were performed and both groups were compared with t Student and paired t to assess the intragroup difference, statistical significance was determined with p < 0.05.

RESULTS:

132 patients were compared: 87 with intravaginal electrode (group 1) and 45 with superficial electrodes (group 2). The VAS values and percentage improvement of the first session, the mid-treatment session and the last session were statistically significant in each group (p = 0.001), the initial VAS of 7.54 and VAS at the end of the treatment of 2.44. When comparing improvement between groups, no statistically significant difference was found between one electrode and another (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with chronic pelvic pain can be treated by electrostimulation with superficial or intravaginal electrode and, after at least 8 sessions, perceive a significant decrease or, its complete disappearance.

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