Effect of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise on Stress Urinary Incontinence Among Women on Pelvic Radiation

Radiation is cornerstone of the treatment of many pelvic tumors. Radiotherapy cause cellular death that benefits cancer control, but can also result in adverse effects such as urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is one of the major problems that has an impact on female's quality of life, as it disturbs about one third of adult women worldwide. Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercise on stress urinary incontinence among women on pelvic radiation. Design: A quasi experimental design was utilized for conducting the study. Sample: A sample of 60 adult female participants on pelvic radiation, and had scored more than 10 on the Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis at Radiology Department in Oncology Unit in one of the biggest teaching hospitals in Cairo, Egypt was recruited, and the sample was randomly divided into study and control groups (30 participants each). Tools: Data were collected using five tools; demographic and medical data sheet, Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis, The Incontinence Severity Index Scale, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, and The Incontinence Quiz Scale. Results: There were statistically significant differences regarding quality of symptoms, severity of incontinence, incontinence impact, as well as knowledge regarding stress urinary incontinence in the study group after implementation of the pelvic floor muscle exercise when compared to the control group. Conclusion: the pelvic floor muscle exercise improved the urinary incontinence among participants undergoing pelvic radiation therapy. Recommendation: It is suggested to apply pelvic floor muscle exercise for participants on pelvic radiation therapy in their early course of treatment. Keywords: Pelvic floor muscle exercise, urinary incontinence, stress urinary incontitnce, pelvic radiation, women