Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Urinary and sexual function improve following sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for refractory overactive bladder. No significant associations between these changes have been found. Whether improvements in sexual function are independent of or secondary to improvements in urinary function remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in urinary and sexual function in a homogeneous sample of patients undergoing SNS for urge urinary incontinence and subsequently identify associations between the two.
A prospective database was created. Enrollees underwent a full history and physical examination at the first office visit. Multiple-day voiding diaries with validated and investigator-designed questionnaires were administered at baseline and follow-up as standard implantation procedures and to assess changes in urinary and sexual function, respectively. Analyses were completed using data from patients who were sexually active at baseline and follow-up.
Statistically significant improvements in urinary and sexual function occurred according to multiple metrics. Patient global impression scales categorized all patients' urinary conditions as improved, with most being less severe. Validated urinary symptom and quality of life scores improved significantly. After treatment, most patients were incontinent less often with sexual activity and felt less restricted from sexual activity by fear of incontinence. Validated quantification of sexual function demonstrated significant improvements in overall sexual function, arousal, and satisfaction. No significant associations between changes in urinary and sexual function were noted; however, trends appeared to exist between the two.
Improved sexual function was not significantly associated with improved urinary function after SNS despite apparent trends between the two. Larger samples are required to definitively demonstrate this conclusion.
Written by:
Gill BC, Swartz MA, Firoozi F, Rackley RR, Moore CK, Goldman HB, Vasavada SP. Are you the author?
Reference: Neuromodulation. 2011 Aug 19. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1403.2011.00380.x
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 21854492
UroToday.com Overactive Bladder (OAB) Section
