At-Home Neuromodulation for Female Sexual Dysfunction

At-Home Neuromodulation for Female Sexual Dysfunction

This pilot study investigates the regular use of non-invasive dorsal genital nerve stimulation (DGS) for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). The researchers aim to determine whether subjects with FSD can correctly follow an at-home treatment regimen and to demonstrate that DGS can improve FSD arousal symptoms in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Some subjects will use a smart vibrator for comparison to DGS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Capable of speaking and understanding English.
• Able to comprehend the clinical study procedures and provide informed consent.
• Identified as having female sexual dysfunction with a Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score of 26.55 or less and a score of 3 or less on one or more of the FSFI subdomains of lubrication, arousal, and orgasm.
• Willing and able to adhere to the study protocol
• Able to attend experimental sessions at Michigan Medicine at both the start and conclusion of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not currently sexually active.
• Pregnant or planning to get pregnant during the study period.
• History of a neurological disorder or impairments affecting pelvic organ function, including diagnosed with dorsal genital nerve damage, lower motor dysfunction, or other related conditions.
• Implanted with a neurostimulator for bladder or bowel function.
• Have a skin condition that would predispose them to sensitivity to the stimulation electrodes.
• Female sexual dysfunction limited solely to low desire, without issues in lubrication, arousal, or orgasm.
• Clinically diagnosed bladder dysfunction, pelvic pain, or other pelvic organ symptoms; or a score of 8 or higher on the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUASI).
• Unable or unwilling to adhere to the study protocol
• Simultaneously participating in another research study that may affect the results of this study.