At-home genital nerve stimulation for individuals with SCI and neurogenic detrusor overactivity: A pilot feasibility study

This study explores using electrical stimulation of genital nerves (GNS) at home to help people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) who have bladder control problems. These problems, like involuntary bladder contractions (NDO), can affect health and quality of life. The study involved men with SCI and NDO using a portable GNS device at home for one month. Researchers tracked leakage events, bladder capacity, and satisfaction levels during stimulation, before, and after. The results showed that GNS reduced leakage events and participants were satisfied with how it helped them manage their bladder issues. The study suggests GNS could be a useful way to reduce bladder problems for those with SCI.

• 1
  Genital nerve stimulation (GNS) reduced the number of leakage events from 1.0 ± 0.5 to 0.1 ± 0.4 leaks per day in the four subjects who reported incontinence data.
• 2
  All study participants were satisfied that GNS met their bladder goals; wanted to continue using GNS; and would recommend it to others.
• 3
  Bladder capacity increased acutely during each urodynamics in response to GNS by 156 ± 70 mL (ANOVA, P < 0.001, n = 14), regardless of treatment period.