Effects of sacral neuromodulation on female sexual function

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.