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Published on: April 25, 2017
Effects of sacral neuromodulation on female sexual function
Rachel N Pauls1, Serge P Marinkovic, W Andre Silva
1Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Good Samaritan Hospital, 375 Dixmyth Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45220, USA. Rachel_Pauls@trihealth.com
Summary
Sacral neuromodulation may improve sexual function in women with bladder control issues. This therapy enhanced sexual frequency and satisfaction scores, offering a potential benefit beyond urinary symptom relief.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Sexual Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Urgency frequency and urge incontinence significantly impact quality of life.
- Current treatments for overactive bladder symptoms may not address associated sexual dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of sacral neuromodulation on sexual function in patients treated for bladder control issues.
- To assess changes in sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) post-Interstim implantation.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study enrolling sexually active patients undergoing Interstim Sacroneuromodulator implantation.
- FSFI questionnaires administered pre-operatively and at a mean of 5.7 months post-implantation.
- Analysis of sexual frequency and FSFI domain scores.
Main Results:
- Overall sexual frequency increased significantly post-surgery (p=0.047).
- Significant improvements observed in FSFI total scores (p=0.002) and domain scores for desire, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain.
- 43% of subjects reported positive impacts on sexual function, citing decreased urgency and increased desire.
Conclusions:
- Sacral neuromodulation may enhance sexual frequency and improve sexual function scores in patients with urgency frequency and urge incontinence.
- The benefits to sexual function appear independent of reported urinary symptom improvement.