Evaluation of the role of pudendal nerve integrity in female sexual function using noninvasive techniques.
OBJECTIVE
Using quantitative sensory testing and a validated questionnaire, we investigated the role of pudendal nerve integrity in sexual function among women.


METHODS
Participants completed the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ). Vibratory and pressure thresholds were measured at the S2 dermatome reflecting pudendal nerve distribution.


RESULTS
A total of 56 women enrolled; 29 (51.8%) were asymptomatic and 27 (48.2%) had 1 or more forms of female sexual dysfunction (total sexual dysfunction) including: desire disorder 16.1%, arousal disorder 26.8%, orgasmic disorder 25%, and pain disorder 12.5%. Age, parity, menopausal status, and body mass index were similar between groups. PISQ scores were lower in symptomatic subjects compared with controls (P < .001). Decreased tactile sensation was found at the clitoris for women with total sexual dysfunction, desire disorder, and arousal disorder. Women with arousal disorder also had decreased tactile sensation at the perineum.


CONCLUSIONS
Pudendal nerve integrity may play a role in female sexual dysfunction.
Connell
Kathleen
K
Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA. kathleen.connell@yale.edu
Guess
Marsha K
MK
La Combe
Julie
J
Wang
Andrea
A
Powers
Kenneth
K
Lazarou
George
G
Mikhail
Magdy
M
D000328:Adult; D002987:Clitoris / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000294:innervation*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009420:Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014110:Touch; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000150:complications; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000150:complications