A rapid evidence assessment for extracorporeal magnetic stimulation to treat urinary incontinence in men

Authors

  • Ryan Wong Schulich Medical School, Western University
  • Blayne Welk University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.9320

Keywords:

magnetic stimulation, urinary incontinence, men

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Extracorporeal magnetic stimulation (EMS) is a non-invasive treatment for urinary incontinence (UI) in women, but its effectiveness in men is not well known. This review identifies and evaluates the evidence supporting EMS for treating UI in adult men.

METHODS: We systematically searched the MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PEDro databases up to November 2024. Studies included EMS alone or compared to other treatments in men with UI. A qualitative assessment of the evidence was carried out. Study quality was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist for randomized and non-randomized studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

RESULTS: Of 285 studies screened, nine met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 181 men treated with EMS, mostly post-prostatectomy. Four RCTs, with qualities ranging from fair to good, and small sample sizes (n=16–36), found EMS led to earlier continence compared to pelvic floor muscle therapy (PFMT) and was superior to sham treatment. One study reported significant improvements in urodynamic measures after EMS, and another showed a 48% reduction in 24-hour pad usage, sustained at 12.5 months. Several studies indicated that EMS accelerated symptom improvement compared to PFMT but had similar long-term outcomes. All studies using validated quality-of-life measures reported significant improvements after EMS.

CONCLUSIONS: Evidence for EMS in treating male UI is limited but generally positive. EMS may promote faster continence recovery than PFMT, with similar long-term outcomes. Larger, high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings and guide clinical practice and recommendations for different subgroups.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2025-10-27

How to Cite

Wong, R., & Welk, B. (2025). A rapid evidence assessment for extracorporeal magnetic stimulation to treat urinary incontinence in men. Canadian Urological Association Journal, 20(2), 63–70. https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.9320

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 2 (2026): CUAJ February

Section

Review

License

You, the Author(s), assign your copyright in and to the Article to the Canadian Urological Association. This means that you may not, without the prior written permission of the CUA:

  • Post the Article on any Web site
  • Translate or authorize a translation of the Article
  • Copy or otherwise reproduce the Article, in any format, beyond what is permitted under Canadian copyright law, or authorize others to do so
  • Copy or otherwise reproduce portions of the Article, including tables and figures, beyond what is permitted under Canadian copyright law, or authorize others to do so.

The CUA encourages use for non-commercial educational purposes and will not unreasonably deny any such permission request.

You retain your moral rights in and to the Article. This means that the CUA may not assert its copyright in such a way that would negatively reflect on your reputation or your right to be associated with the Article.

The CUA also requires you to warrant the following:

  • That you are the Author(s) and sole owner(s), that the Article is original and unpublished and that you have not previously assigned copyright or granted a licence to any other third party;
  • That all individuals who have made a substantive contribution to the article are acknowledged;
  • That the Article does not infringe any proprietary right of any third party and that you have received the permissions necessary to include the work of others in the Article; and
  • That the Article does not libel or violate the privacy rights of any third party.