In a nutshell
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) to treat overactive bladder (OAB) on sexual function. This study found a promising effectiveness of PTNS treatment for sexual dysfunction.
Some background
Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is now an established treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction such as OAB. OAB occurs when the bladder muscle is too active. Instead of staying at rest as urine fills the bladder, the bladder contracts. This causes a person to feel a sudden and sometimes overwhelming urge to urinate even when the bladder is not full. Female sexual dysfunction (SD) can also occur in patients with OAB. This is when you have difficulty with arousal or are unable to become aroused or maintain arousal during sexual activity.
The effect of PTNS on SD is unknown.
Methods & findings
This study included 7 trials on PTNS. All patients had PTNS treatment. They filled out questionnaires on SD and other side-effects of treatment.
Four out of seven studies reported a positive effect of PTNS on SD. There was an improvement in general sexual function.
The bottom line
This study concluded that PTNS may be a promising treatment for sexual dysfunction.
The fine print
It was unclear if improvements in SD happened because of improvements in bowel or bladder symptoms.
Published By :
International urogynecology journal
Date :
Jul 05, 2019
