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International Urogynecology Journal

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01-10-2019 | Overactive Bladder | Review Article

The effect of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) on sexual function: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Victoria Kershaw, Aethele Khunda, Carol McCormick, Paul Ballard

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 10/2019

Abstract

Introduction

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is now an established treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction such as overactive bladder, faecal incontinence or voiding dysfunction. Prevalence of female sexual dysfunction is high in this group. We aim to examine the effect of PTNS on sexual function in this patient group by systematically reviewing the literature and pooling the data in a meta-analysis.

Methods

The literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL databases. Initial results yielded 74 citations. From these, nine articles met our inclusion criteria. Two articles were doubly reported, leaving seven studies in the systematic review. Only four studies reported sufficient information to be included in our meta-analysis.

Results

Three studies were randomised controlled trials, and five were before-after studies. The number of participants in each study ranged from 11 to 220. Four out of seven studies reported a positive effect of PTNS on sexual function. In the meta-analysis of four studies there was a significant improvement in general sexual function with PTNS (p = 0.04, SMD –0.41, CI[−0.79, –0.03], I² = 0%). In a subgroup analysis of the bowel domain of sexual function, there was a significant improvement with PTNS (p = 0.03, MD 17.7, CI [1.92, 33.47], I² = 0%).

Conclusion

We report a systematic review on the effect of PTNS on sexual function. Although the studies are of small size, the results are promising in terms of a positive effect of PTNS on sexual function, and we recommend further research in this area.

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Title: The effect of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) on sexual function: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Victoria Kershaw
Aethele Khunda
Carol McCormick
Paul Ballard
Publication date: 01-10-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Overactive Bladder
Nerve Stimulation
Voiding Disorder
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 10/2019
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-019-04027-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The effect of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) on sexual function: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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