Impact of Sacral Neuromodulation on Female Sexual Function and His Correlation with Clinical Outcome and Quality of Life Indexes: A Monocentric Experience

The impact of Mirabegron on sexual function in women with idiopathic overactive bladder

Background

Overactive bladder (OAB) can frequently exert a negative effect on female sexual function. Mirabegron, a β3 receptor agonist, improves OAB symptoms, but there are very few information about its role on female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Aim of the study was to assess the impact of Mirabegron on FSD in women affected by OAB.

Methods

Fifty sexually active women suffering from idiopathic OAB were included in the study. Patients were assessed by means of a urogynecologic physical examination and were asked to complete the 3-day voiding diary, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire- Short Form (ICIQ-SF), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and VAS, before and 12 weeks after treatment with Mirabegron. In addition, at the same time points, patients underwent uroflowmetry with the measurement of post- void residual volume (PVR).

Results

At baseline all patients were affected by OAB symptoms, with 49/50 patients (98%) presenting with FSD. At 12- weeks follow- up, OAB symptoms improved significantly in all patients, with 59.5% of subjects achieving a complete urinary continence. FSFI Total Score significantly improved in 42/50 patients (84%) from 18.9 ± 4.3 to 21.8 ± 4.5 (p < 0.0001). Sixteen cases (32%) presented with no FSD. Also mean ± SD scores of ICIQ-SF and VAS significantly improved (from 17.1 ± 5 to 7.9 ± 4.8 and from 3.9 ± 1.2 to 6.9 ± 1.2 respectively, p < 0.000).

Conclusions

Mirabegron not only is able to control urinary symptoms in women with OAB, but also induces a significant improvement in their sexual life.

Sacral neuromodulation and sexual function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Sexual function is being increasingly recognized as an important patient-reported outcome. Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a treatment with an expanding list of indications. The effect of sacral neuromodulation on sexual function has been examined in a number of studies with variable results. In this review, we aim to systematically review the literature and pool the data if appropriate.

METHODS

The literature search was conducted primarily on the Healthcare Databases Advanced Search (HDAS) platform using the Medline, EMBASE and CINHAL search engines. Of 196 initial citations, 17 articles met our predefined inclusion criteria. Thirteen studies reported enough information to be included in our meta-analysis. RevMan5 software was used for analysis.

RESULTS

Eight of 17 studies reported a positive effect of SNM on sexual function. Pooled analysis of data from 11 studies involving 573 patients before SNM and 438 patients after SNM showed significant improvement in sexual function (SMD = -0.39; 95% CI: -0.58 to -0.19; p = 0.0001). The results remained significant in most subgroup analyses except in patients suffering from fecal incontinence.

CONCLUSIONS

SNM in women with pelvic floor disorders, especially bladder dysfunction, seems to have a positive effect on sexual function. This needs to be verified in adequately powered primary research using sexual function as the primary outcome.

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.

Female sexual dysfunction: a focus on flibanserin

Flibanserin is the first US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved option for sexual dysfunction, specifically low sexual desire. Until recently, there were no FDA-approved medication options to assist the ~40% of women affected by female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Often, patients report feeling uncomfortable discussing sexual health, identifying a strong need for health care professionals (HCPs) to proactively reach out to patients to identify concerns and initiate a discussion about sexual health and the available treatment options. Within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DMS-5), the criteria of female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD) are outlined, encompassing one of the most common sexual concerns, formerly in its own category defined as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) or low sexual desire. HSDD is the absence or deficiency of sexual interest and/or desire leading to significant distress and interpersonal difficulties. HCPs offer an important service in assessing their patients and providing information about treatment considerations while ensuring patient comfort with this topic. This article provides an overview of the types and potential causes associated with FSD and the role of flibanserin in practice as a treatment option. Despite a need for additional study in diverse populations, flibanserin has demonstrated efficacy with increased female sexual function index (FSFI) total and desire domain scores in clinical studies indicating benefit in sexual desire. Common patient or provider-administered assessment tools to assist in identifying affected patients and patient counseling strategies are reviewed.

Neuromodulation for the Treatment of Endometriosis-Related Symptoms

Sacral and pudendal neuromodulation have been advocated for the treatment of refractory pelvic pain, urinary urgency and retention, as well as fecal incontinence or constipation, all of which are commonly related to endometriosis and/or its surgical treatment.

In this review, the mechanisms of action and different routes of neuromodulation will be detailed, as well as all the studied applications of neuromodulation on ameliorating symptoms related to endometriosis and/or its treatment.

Impact of urinary incontinence on female sexual health in women during midlife

Sexual health is important to the self worth, emotional well being, and overall quality of life of women in midlife. However, urinary incontinence, which is prevalent in this population, has a negative impact on sexual function. The purpose of this article is to review the impact of urinary incontinence on female sexual dysfunction and discuss the impact of urinary incontinence treatment on sexual function. We carried out a literature review on the effect of stress urinary incontinence and urgency urinary incontinence on sexual health and physiological response, including coital incontinence, satisfaction, desire, orgasm, frequency, and partner relationships. We examined the literature regarding changes in sexual function related to non-surgical and surgical interventions for incontinence. Overall, though studies are lacking and of poor quality, treatment of incontinence has been shown to improve sexual function. Both pelvic muscle training and midurethral slings have been shown to improve sexual function in those with stress urinary incontinence. In urgency urinary incontinence, evidence indicates improvement in sexual function after treatment with anti-muscarinic medications. Coital incontinence commonly improves with treatment of the underlying incontinence subtype. Although problems related to sexual health are complex and involve both psychological and physical factors, it is important to consider treatment of urinary incontinence as part of management of sexual dysfunction.

Sacral neuromodulation and female sexuality

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

An up-to-date review of the impact of a permanent sacral neuromodulation (SNM) implant (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA) on female sexual function (FSF).

METHODS

Clinical studies published from January 2001 to February 2014 evaluating the impact and/or safety of permanent SNM on FSF were reviewed.

RESULTS

Nine studies were selected that investigated the impact on sexual response when the aim of the SNM was to resolve urinary symptoms mainly due to overactive bladder (seven studies) or faecal incontinence. Most women included were of menopausal age. Three studies included sexually inactive women. Post-SNM follow-up varied from 3 to 36 months. Meta-analysis of efficacy results was not possible primarily due to the heterogeneity of the sexual and pelvic dysfunctions. The most specific questionnaire assessing FSF was the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) used in six studies. During follow-up all women showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in at least one FSFI domain compared to baseline. In one study statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the FSFI pain domain was exclusively detected in women with neurological disease. Two studies, however, using the questionnaire to screen for sexual dysfunction did not find any statistically significant differences after SNM. The most severe problems associated with FSF concern loss of libido and reduction in vaginal lubrication which were resolved in one woman following removal of the SNM implant.

CONCLUSIONS

Actual data are still insufficient to definitely assert the positive effect of SNM on FSF.

Effect of sacral neuromodulation on female sexual function and quality of life: Are they correlated?

INTRODUCTON

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) has become an established therapy for voiding dysfunction. Additional benefits, such as improved bowel functions and bladder pain, have been reported. Improvement in female sexual function after SNM treatment has been suggested; however, reports examining the effects of SNM on female sexual functions are scarce. We evaluate the effects of SNM on female sexual function and its impact on quality of life and analyze any correlation.

METHODS

Data were collected from January 2010 to May 2012 for all female patients who underwent SNM InterStim (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) therapy at a single centre in Canada. They were treated for voiding dysfunction, including refractory over-active bladder, frequency-urgency syndrome and non-obstructive urinary retention. Patients were screened by percutaneous nerve evaluation (PNE) to assess their response to therapy using a 4-day voiding diary. Patients who experienced 50% or more improvement in their voiding parameters were permanently implanted. All patients completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and incontinence questionnaires (Urinary Distress Inventory [UDI]-6) preoperatively and 4 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

A total of 33 female patients had SNM therapy; 10 were excluded from the study because they were not sexually active. The indications were: refractory overactive bladder in 19, frequency-urgency syndrome in 2, and non-obstructive urinary retention in another 2 patients. SNM therapy significantly improved the total FSFI score (p = 0.011); the components of desire and orgasm showed significant improvement (p = 0.014 and p = 0.035, respectively). Age, body mass index, diagnosis, and urinary symptoms did not show significant correlation with FSFI score improvement. Quality of life showed significant improvement after SNM treatment in 5 categories. There was no correlation between improvement in quality of life and FSFI.

CONCLUSION

SNM may improve female sexual function and quality of life, yet there is no correlation between the improvement in FSFI and quality of life.

Sacral neuromodulation and peripheral nerve stimulation in patients with anal incontinence: an overview of techniques, complications and troubleshooting

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy has revolutionized the management of many forms of anal incontinence, with an expanded use and a medium-term efficacy of 75% overall. This review discusses the technique of SNM therapy, along with its complications and troubleshooting and a discussion of the early data pertaining to peripheral posterior tibial nerve stimulation in incontinent patients. Future work needs to define the predictive factors for neurostimulatory success, along with the likely mechanisms of action of their therapeutic action.

Changes in sexual functioning in women after neuromodulation for voiding dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Sacral neuromodulation is a well-established treatment for urinary and bowel disorders with potential use for other disorders such as sexual dysfunction.

AIM

To evaluate changes in sexual functioning in women undergoing neuromodulation for voiding symptoms.

METHODS

Patients enrolled in our prospective, observational neuromodulation database study were evaluated. Data were collected from medical records, and patient-completed Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Interstitial Cystitis Symptom-Problem Indices (ICSI-PI) at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months post-implant. Patients rated overall change in sexual functioning on scaled global response assessments (GRA) at 3, 6, and 12 months post-implant. We grouped women by baseline FSFI scores: less (score<26) and more sexually functional (score≥26). Data were analyzed with Pearson's Chi-square or Fisher's Exact test and repeated measures.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

Changes in FSFI and ICSI-PI scores in women grouped by baseline FSFI score<26 and ≥26.

RESULTS

Of 167 women evaluated, FSFI scores improved overall from preimplant (mean 13.5±8.5) to 12 months (N=72; mean 15.9±8.9, P=0.004). At baseline and each follow-up point, ICSI-PI scores were similar between groups and improved through time. For patients in the FSFI<26 group there was improvement from baseline to 12-month scores (N=63; 11.9±6.9 to 14.8±8.7; P=0.0006). Improved FSFI domains included desire, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Furthermore, of the 74 subjects in this group not sexually active at baseline, 10 became sexually active during follow-up. In the FSFI≥26 group there was slight but statistically significant decline in mean scores between baseline and 12 months (N=9; 27.4±1.1 to 24.5±3.4; P=0.0302); however one had become sexually inactive. A significant decrease was seen in the satisfaction domain.

CONCLUSIONS

Many factors affect sexual functioning in women; however sexual function may improve along with urinary symptoms after neuromodulation.

Efficacy of sacral neuromodulation on urological diseases: a multicentric research project

INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF THE STUDY

Sacral neuromodulation has been used as a safe, effective treatment option for patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). Several clinical studies demonstrated its positive effects on refractory urge incontinence, non-osbstructive urinary retention, urgency frequency syndrome, as well as on other non- urological disorders, such as fecal incontinence and chronic constipation. The aim of this research project was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sacral neuromodulation on the management of LUTD refractory to the standardized first line treatment options.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively collected and evaluated data from patients undergoing sacral neuromodulations between September 2001 and November 2010 in 4 Urological Centres of North-East Italy. The patients were affected by Overactive Bladder Syndrome (OAB), Urinary Retention (UR), Fecal Incontinence (FI), Constipation (CO), Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP). All the patients were evaluated with voiding diaries, before and after implantation.Patients included in the present evaluation were followed up in a network of 4 Italian urological centres, which participate to in the Italian Clinical Service project - a national urological database and medical care project aiming at describing and improving the use of implantable urological devices in the Italian clinical practice. Continuous normally distributed variables were reported as the mean value ± standard deviation (SD). Continuous non-normally distributed variables were presented as the median values and an interquartile range (IQR). The t-test and Wilcoxon test were used to compare continuous variables, as appropriate. A two-sided p <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Overall, 157 patients underwent implantation of sacral neuromodulator during the period under review. Eighty-three out of 157 (53%) patients complained of OAB; 52 (33%) of UR; 5 (3%) of faecal incontinence; 4 (2%) of chronic constipation; 12 (8%) of CPP. The median follow- up was 11 months (IQR 1 - 91 months). In patients treated for OAB, we documented a statistically significant reduction in the mean number of: incontinence episodes/die, pads/die, daily micturitions, nocturnal micturitions and global micturitions. In patients treated for UR, we observed a statistically significant reduction in the mean post- voiding residual volume and in the number of self catheterization. Interpretation of results: It is difficult to translate into quantifiable data the subjective perception of improvement of the symptoms expressed by the patients, as they are frequently subjective perceptions, not always numeric data. This subjective perception makes it difficult to the clinician to evaluate the real outcomes of this procedure, and makes it difficult to achieve a complete follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This multicenter research project confirmed the midterm safety and effectiveness of sacral neuromodulation in the treatment of refractory overactive bladder syndrome and urinary retention, showing high cure rates and low complication rates.

[Results of sacral neuromodulation on the urinary and fecal incontinence and sexuality in 20 women suffering from a double incontinence]

CONTEXT

Urinary and faecal incontinence (defining double incontinence) are common conditions, which are frequently associated and can altered sexuality. The effectiveness of the sacral nerve modulation (NMS) in the treatment of the urge urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence and double incontinence was shown.

OBJECTIVE

The present article aims to determine the impact of SNM on female sexual function in twenty women suffering from a double incontinence.

METHODS

All patients who received sacral neuromodulation for urge urinary and/or faecal incontinence between 2005 and 2010 and who still had the implant were included. Only 20 sexually active patients suffering from double incontinence were considered eligible. They completed a questionnaire on follow-up examinations.

RESULTS

The initial indication of NMS was the urge urinary incontinence for 15 patients and the faecal incontinence for five patients. Ten patients (50%) were improved on two incontinence. All patients preserved sexual activity after the treatment of NMS. NMS improves the quality of sexual activity in 45% patients. The numbers of urinary and faecal episodes of incontinence are decreased respectively for 50% and 15% patients during sexual activity. The quality of sexual's life and orgasm score are significantly increased in the group of patients improved on the DI.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the effectiveness of NMS in the treatment of double incontinence which half patients are improved on the two incontinence. This study shows that improvement of urinary or faecal incontinence could have a positive impact on sexuality of these patients, especially for patients improved double incontinence. It is difficult to know if these results are related to its direct action on the neurological ways of sexual function or on its benefit on the continence.