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The effects of bilateral caudal epidural S2-4 neuromodulation on female sexual function

Nasim Zabihi1, Arthur Mourtzinos, Mary Grey Maher

  • 1The Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 924 Westwood Blvd suite 520, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA.

International Urogynecology Journal and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
|December 7, 2007
PubMed

This is a pilot study to evaluate the effects of caudal epidural S2-4 neuromodulation on female sexual function in a population of women with voiding dysfunction. We prospectively studied 36 consecutive female patients who underwent caudal epidural sacral neuromodulation. Patients received the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Six months after permanent implantation, the overall score on the FSFI improved by 52% (p = 0.05). Results were better in patients who underwent the treatment for voiding dysfunction compared to those who had pain as their primary complaint. In this group, the overall score improved by 157% (p = 0.004). Stimulation of S2-4 by bilateral caudal epidural neuromodulation in this small group of women with voiding dysfunction, retention, and/or pelvic pain resulted in self-reported improvements in sexual function. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential role of S2-4 sacral stimulation in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction.

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