Source
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California-Los Angeles, 150 N Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, USA. rebeccanelken@gmail.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the ultralow-dose estradiol vaginal ring with that of oral oxybutynin in the treatment of overactive bladder in postmenopausal women.
METHODS:
Postmenopausal women with an overactive bladder were recruited from the general gynecology clinic. Participants were randomized to receive either the ultralow-dose estradiol vaginal ring or oral oxybutynin for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was a decrease in the number of voids in 24 hours. The secondary outcomes were quality-of-life questionnaires, vaginal pH levels, and vaginal maturation index.
RESULTS:
Fifty-nine women were enrolled. Thirty-one were randomized to receive oxybutynin, whereas 28 received the estradiol vaginal ring. Women who received oxybutynin had a mean decrease of 3.0 voids per day, and women who received the vaginal ring had a mean decrease of 4.5 voids per day, with no significant difference between the groups. There was a significant improvement in Urogenital Distress Inventory and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire scores in both groups, with no significant difference in improvement between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS:
Ultralow-dose estradiol-releasing vaginal ring and oral oxybutynin seem to be similarly effective in decreasing the number of daily voids in postmenopausal women with overactive bladder.