Exploring the Effects of Amniotic Bladder Therapy on Female Sexual Dysfunction in Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome Patients

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

5-2024

Publication Title

Journal of Urology

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a commonly associated issue in patients with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS). FSD manifests through various abnormalities in sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, pain, distress, and satisfaction. We previously detailed the benefits of intra-detrusor micronized amniotic membrane (AM) injections in alleviating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in IC/BPS patients. In this study, our primary objective was to assess the impact of the micronized AM injections on FSD and LUTS using comprehensive measures, including the multi-domain Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) and Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index (ICPI).METHODS: Study participants included patients diagnosed with IC/BPS and refractory FSD, unresponsive to therapeutic interventions. Under general anesthesia, these patients received intra-detrusor injections of reconstituted 100mg micronized AM. We collected data on ICSI, ICPI, FSFI, and VAS scores before the procedure and at 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-injection. Our primary study endpoint was the impact of amniotic bladder therapy (ABT) on sexual function, with a parallel evaluation of injection safety. RESULTS: Eleven consecutive patients, with an average age of49±12 years, demonstrated progressive improvements in their baseline IC/BPS symptoms over the 24-week study duration (Figure 1). These improvements were mirrored by enhanced FSFI scores, and reduced pain (VAS) related to intercourse over the 24-week study period(Table 1). No adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that ABT therapy holds promise for IC/BPS patients, particularly females grappling with severe FSD symptoms. However, further research is imperative to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms through which ABT effectively addresses these complex disorders. Additionally, the long-term durability of this treatment response warrants investigation.

Volume

211

Issue

5S

First Page

e1242

Comments

American Urological Association Annual Meeting, May 3-6, 2024, San Antonio, TX

DOI

10.1097/01.JU.0001009484.98400.42.02

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