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Washington (ANI): A prospective study of 23 women aged 21 71 showed pelvic neuromodulation for bladder disorders also increased five of six sexual function scores in a validated questionnaire administered pre- and post-treatment.
The overall 18 per cent improvement in sexual function was independent of other factors, such as age and underlying condition, according to a statistical analysis reported by Dr Magdy Hassouna, professor of surgery (urology) at the University of Toronto.
Pelvic neuromodulation with sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) delivers mild electric current to a region of the spine near the small of the back, and has been FDA approved since 1999 to treat symptoms of a number of lower urinary tract disorders.
Nerves stemming from the sacral area of the spine extend into the pelvic organs and muscles of the pelvic floor. Sexual dysfunction is thought to be caused by spasm of the pelvic floor muscles, and SNS has been advocated for relief of pelvic spasms that also affect voiding and fecal functions.
Available evidence on SNS effectiveness in voiding dysfunction and bowel habit raised the question of a possible effect on the genital organs that share the same nerve regions, Hassouna said.
'We think that sacral neuromodulation may play a major role in management of female sexual dysfunction in the future,' he added.
The overall response across the studies showed between a 35-50 per cent improvement on sexual function based on standardized symptom score questionnaires, he added
He believes the results warrant a randomized controlled clinical trial in patients who have pure female sexual dysfunction, without voiding dysfunction or other co-existing symptoms.
The study was reported at the International Neuromodulation Society 11th World Congress.