The acute effect of dorsal genital nerve stimulation on rectal wall properties in patients with idiopathic faecal incontinence

Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation's Impact on Sexual Function in Female Patients with Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity, Sexual Dysfunction, and Multiple Sclerosis

Background/Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently results in both urinary and sexual dysfunction, which significantly impairs quality of life. Conventional treatments for bladder dysfunction often prove insufficient, leading to the exploration of alternative therapies such as percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS). This study aimed to assess the impact of PTNS on sexual function and bladder symptoms in female MS patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Methods: A total of 65 female MS patients with NDO were evaluated and underwent 12 weeks of standardized PTNS treatment. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), while bladder symptoms were evaluated using the OAB-v8 questionnaire. Participants were grouped based on the presence of sexual dysfunction and distress and compared to a control group of 20 patients who declined PTNS. Results: Significant improvements were observed in FSFI scores across multiple domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) in the treatment groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, 58.46% of patients showed positive responses to PTNS regarding overactive bladder symptoms (OAB-v8 score), while the control group showed no significant changes. Conclusions: PTNS appears to be an effective therapeutic option for improving sexual function and urinary symptoms in female MS patients with NDO and FSD, offering a promising non-invasive alternative for managing these conditions.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation to Improve Female Sexual Dysfunction Symptoms: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES

To perform a pilot study using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on the dorsal genital nerve and the posterior tibial nerve for improving symptoms of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in women without bladder problems. We hypothesize that this therapy will be effective at improving genital arousal deficits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine women with general FSD completed the study. Subjects received 12 sessions of transcutaneous dorsal genital nerve stimulation (DGNS; n = 6) or posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS; n = 3). Stimulation was delivered for 30 min at 20 Hz. Sexual functioning was evaluated with the female sexual functioning index (FSFI), and surveys were also given on general health, urological functioning, and the Patients' Global Impression of Change (PGIC) after treatment. Surveys were given before treatment (baseline), after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment, and 6 weeks after the completion of stimulation sessions.

RESULTS

The average total FSFI score across all subjects significantly increased from 15.3 ± 4.8 at baseline to 20.3 ± 7.8 after six sessions, 21.7 ± 7.5 after 12 sessions, and 21.3 ± 7.1 at study completion (p < 0.05 for all time points). Increases were observed in both DGNS and PTNS subjects. Significant FSFI increases were seen in the subdomains of lubrication, arousal, and orgasm, each of which is related to genital arousal. Bladder and general health surveys did not change across the study. PGIC had a significant increase.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence that transcutaneous stimulation of peripheral nerves has the potential to be a valuable therapeutic tool for women with FSD.