Method for stimulating pelvic floor muscles for regulating pelvic viscera

摘要

Applicant's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 611,836, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,639, describes a method for controlling the function of a bladder, including identification of selected nerve bundles controlling the separate functions of the bladder and its external sphincter and the application of pulse trains to one or more electrodes positioned on the nerve bundles to control the functions of the bladder and external sphincter. The methods taught herein utilize similar method steps for modulating symptoms resulting from a loss of coordination between the normally synchronized functions of a bladder and bowel and their associated sphincters. The methods are also used for treating incontinence by increasing sphincter tonus. The use of similar method steps for controlling evacuation of the bowel is also disclosed.