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Effects of sacral neuromodulation on female sexual function

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Abstract

The aim of this prospective study was to determine if sacral neuromodulation has an effect on the patient’s subsequent sexual function. Sexually active patients that underwent an Interstim® Sacroneuromodulator implantation (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) for control of bladder symptoms were enrolled. A Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was completed before surgery and at a mean of 5.7 months postoperatively. Eleven subjects proceeded to permanent implantation, seven of these were sexually active before and after placement. Three subjects (43%) felt the device impacted on their sexual function in a positive way (1) by decreasing urgency and (2) by increasing desire. Overall sexual frequency increased significantly after the surgery (p=0.047). There were also significant increases in the FSFI total (p=0.002), and domain scores for desire (p=0.004), lubrication (p=0.005), orgasm (p=0.043), satisfaction (p=0.007), and pain (p=0.015). There was no correlation between patient report of urinary symptom improvement and FSFI scores. In conclusion, sacral neuromodulation may improve sexual frequency and sexual function scores in subjects with urgency frequency and urge incontinence.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Good Samaritan Hospital, 375 Dixmyth Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45220, USA

    Rachel N. Pauls, Christopher M. Rooney, Steven D. Kleeman & Mickey M. Karram

  2. Department of Urology, Womens and Childrens Hospital, Suite A220, 4540 Ambassador Caffery Blvd., Lafayette, LA, 70508, USA

    Serge P. Marinkovic

  3. Pacific Northwest Urogynecology, PLLC, 34503 9th Ave S. Suite 330, Federal Way, WA, 98003, USA

    W. Andre Silva

Authors
  1. Rachel N. Pauls
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  2. Serge P. Marinkovic
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  3. W. Andre Silva
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  4. Christopher M. Rooney
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  5. Steven D. Kleeman
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  6. Mickey M. Karram
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Correspondence to Rachel N. Pauls.

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Pauls, R.N., Marinkovic, S.P., Silva, W.A. et al. Effects of sacral neuromodulation on female sexual function. Int Urogynecol J 18, 391–395 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-006-0168-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-006-0168-9

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