From the Guidelines
Axonics sacral neuromodulation (SNM) may be considered as a potential treatment option for sexual anhedonia, although its effectiveness for this specific condition is not well-established and more research is needed to fully understand its benefits and limitations. The mechanism of SNM involves delivering mild electrical impulses to the sacral nerves that control pelvic floor function, bladder, bowel, and sexual organs, which may help restore normal sensation and function 1. For sexual anhedonia, SNM could theoretically help by improving nerve signaling in the pelvic region.
Key Considerations
- The current evidence does not specifically support the use of Axonics SNM for sexual anhedonia, but rather for conditions like overactive bladder or fecal incontinence 1.
- Patients with sexual anhedonia may benefit from a multidimensional treatment plan that addresses underlying issues, including referrals to specialists such as psychotherapy, sexual/couples counseling, urology, or sexual health specialists 1.
- Treatment options for sexual dysfunction, including sexual anhedonia, may involve medications like PDE5i, testosterone therapy, lifestyle modifications, and psychosocial interventions 1.
Recommendations
- Patients considering Axonics SNM for sexual anhedonia should discuss the potential benefits and limitations with a urologist or urogynecologist who specializes in neuromodulation 1.
- A thorough evaluation of the patient's overall health and specific condition is necessary to determine the most appropriate treatment approach 1.
- Given the limited evidence supporting the use of Axonics SNM for sexual anhedonia, patients should be aware of the potential risks and benefits and consider alternative treatment options 1.
From the Research
Axonics SNM and Sexual Anhedonia
- There is limited direct evidence on the effect of Axonics SNM on sexual anhedonia.
- However, studies have shown that sacral neuromodulation (SNM) can improve sexual function in women with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) or non-obstructive urinary retention (NOR) 2.
- A study on the effect of sacral neuromodulation on pudendal nerve function and female sexual function found that sexually active women undergoing sacral neuromodulation experienced improvement in sexual function 2.
- Another study on the two-year outcomes of the ARTISAN-SNM study for the treatment of urinary urgency incontinence using the Axonics rechargeable sacral neuromodulation system found that participants treated with the Axonics System demonstrated sustained safety and efficacy, high levels of satisfaction with therapy and recharging, but did not specifically address sexual anhedonia 3.
- Other studies have shown that SNM can improve quality of life and affective symptoms in patients with LUTS, which may indirectly improve sexual function 4, 5, 6.
Related Studies
- A study on the efficacy of sacral neuromodulation on urological diseases found that sacral neuromodulation has a positive effect on refractory urge incontinence, non-obstructive urinary retention, urgency frequency syndrome, and other non-urological disorders 5.
- A review of sacral neuromodulation in overactive bladder found that it is an effective treatment for OAB and urge incontinence, with durable effects and comparable long-term cost-effectiveness to botulinum toxin A 6.