Evaluating the effects of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation or pelvic floor muscle training on sexual dysfunction in female multiple sclerosis patients reporting overactive bladder

Abstract

Aims Sexual dysfunction (SD) is common in female patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) reporting overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) with biofeedback on SD in female patients with MS reporting OAB symptoms. Methods Patients with overactive bladder and SD were allocated to receive TTNS or PFMT daily. Overactive bladder symptoms, sexual functions, and sexual quality of life were assessed at baseline and 6(th) weeks. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OABv-8), and Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQoL-F) questionnaires were used. Results Thirty patients (TTNS = 10, PFMT = 20) were included in the study. Compared to baseline, total FSFIOABv-8, and SQoL-F scores improved in both TTNS (p = 0.005, p = 0.011, p = 0.444, respectively) and PFMT (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively) groups. Between-group comparisons did not show any significant differences. Conclusion This study demonstrates the efficacy of both TTNS and PFMT for improving sexual function in female MS patients with OAB symptoms, but did not show superiority of any particular method. Further studies are required to investigate the differences between these two non-invasive methods.