Objectives The aim of this study was to determine if preoperative medication administration is associated with postoperative urinary retention (PUR) after urogynecologic procedures and identify preoperative and intraoperative factors that are predictive of PUR. Methods A retrospective review of patients who underwent prolapse and/or incontinence surgery was performed. The primary outcome was PUR, defined as postoperative retrograde void trial with postvoid residuals of greater than 100 mL. Bivariate analysis was performed to compare demographics and preoperative and intraoperative characteristics of women with and without PUR, and multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to identify independent predictors of PUR. Results Of women in this cohort, 44.8% (364/813) had PUR. There were no significant differences in preoperative medication administration in women with and without PUR. Age older than 60 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–2.02), combined prolapse and incontinence surgery (aOR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.29–2.62), vaginal hysterectomy (aOR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.66–2.38), and procedure time (aOR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00–1.01) were associated with increased odds of PUR, whereas laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy was associated with lower odds (aOR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.10–0.46). Discussion Although preoperative medication administration was not associated with PUR, other clinically important variables were age older than 60 years, vaginal hysterectomy, incontinence and prolapse surgery, or longer procedure time. Sacrocolpopexy reduced the odds of PUR by approximately 80%. These factors may be useful in preoperative and postoperative counseling regarding PUR after urogynecologic surgery.

OBJECTIVESAlthough the impact of stigma is known for women with urinary incontinence, it has not been well studied among the full spectrum of pelvic floor disorders. This study quantifies the level of stigma among women presenting for urogynecologic care and tests the hypothesis that stigma related to pelvic floor disorders results in a delay in care seeking for these problems.METHODSWomen presenting for new patient visits (N = 523) in university medical center-based urogynecology clinics completed 2 anonymous questionnaires (Stigma Scale for Chronic Illnesses 8-item version and Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire) before their visit. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the distributions of stigma scores. Logistic regression was used to model factors associated with a delay in seeking care. Spearman correlation was used to determine whether there was an association between stigma and bother scores.RESULTSMedian stigma score was significantly higher for those presenting with complaints of urine leakage (P = 0.015), accidental bowel leakage (P < 0.001), and constipation (P < 0.001) compared with women without these symptoms. Women presenting with accidental bowel leakage had the highest median stigma score, and those presenting with pelvic organ prolapse had the lowest. Total stigma score had a moderately positive correlation (r = 0.5, P < 0.001) with bother score. In a logistic regression model, higher stigma score was associated with a decreased likelihood of waiting 1 year or more to seek care (odds ratio = 0.92, 95% confidence interval = 0.86-0.98).CONCLUSIONSPelvic floor disorders carry varying levels of stigma. Women who feel more stigmatized by pelvic floor disorders seem to seek care earlier.

Treatment options are limited for the approximately 40% of postmenopausal women worldwide who suffer from female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Neural stimulation has shown potential as a treatment for genital arousal FSD, however the mechanisms for its improvement are unknown. One potential cause of some cases of genital arousal FSD are changes to the composition of the vaginal microbiota, which is associated with vulvovaginal atrophy. The primary hypothesis of this study was that neural stimulation may induce healthy changes in the vaginal microbiome, thereby improving genital arousal FSD symptoms. In this study we used healthy rats, which are a common animal model for sexual function, however the rat vaginal microbiome is understudied. Thus this study also sought to examine the composition of the rat vaginal microbiota. Treatment rats (n=5) received 30 minutes of cutaneous electrical stimulation targeting the genital branch of the pudendal nerve, and Control animals (n=4) had 30-minute sessions without stimulation. Vaginal lavage samples were taken during a 14-day baseline period including multiple estrous periods and after twice-weekly 30-minute sessions across a six-week trial period. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences was used to characterize the rat vaginal microbiota in baseline samples and determine the effect of stimulation. We found that the rat vaginal microbiota is dominated by Proteobacteria, Firmicutes , and Actinobacteria , which changed in relative abundance during the estrous cycle and in relationship to each other. While the overall stimulation effects were unclear in these healthy rats, some Treatment animals had less alteration in microbiota composition between sequential samples than Control animals, suggesting that stimulation may help stabilize the vaginal microbiome. Future studies may consider additional physiological parameters, in addition to the microbiome composition, to further examine vaginal health and the effects of stimulation.

Purpose Following radiation therapy (RT), women with gynecologic malignancies report high rates of sexual dysfunction, but little is known regarding sexual health communication between these patients and health-care providers. This study assessed these patients’ beliefs/attitudes toward providers’ sexual history taking. Methods Surveys were administered to women who presented for follow-up care for gynecologic cancers in an academic radiation oncology department. The surveys assessed patient sexual health beliefs and inquiry preferences. Sexual functioning was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Ordered logistic regressions were performed to assess for correlations between survey responses, FSFI, and demographic characteristics. Results Seventy-five subjects participated. Most (89.8%) had FSFI scores indicating sexual dysfunction. Most patients agreed that sexual function is an important component of overall health (78.7%) and that providers should inquire regularly (62.8%). Few (12.0%) reported embarrassment around provider discussions. Most (62.7%) preferred discussion with female providers, especially married patients ( p = 0.03). Half (53.4%) agreed that sexual problems are an unavoidable part of aging, a view that was more common as education level decreased ( p = 0.01). Most (62.7%) patients agreed that providers should regularly ask about their sexual history, with patients having significant differences in education level. Patients with low FSFI scores were less likely to report inquiry from their OB/Gyn ( p = 0.03). Conclusions Gynecologic cancer radiotherapy patients want to discuss sexual health, but report suboptimal provider inquiry. Patient views and experiences varied based on marital status, education level, and FSFI score. This work highlights the need for improved sexual health communication between cancer patients and providers.

There is currently no gold standard for evaluating stool burden in the colon for patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. We aim to examine the relationship between fecal loading on single view abdominal X-ray imaging and gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and accidental bowel leakage in adult outpatients.

BACKGROUND:Transgender individuals are more likely to experience social and economic barriers to health and health care, and have worse mental health outcomes than cisgender individuals. Our study explores variations in mental health among minority genders after controlling for sociodemographic factors.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Multistate data were obtained from the 2014 to 2016 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Data were included from respondents who were asked whether they identified as transgender, and if so, as male-to-female (MTF), female-to-male (FTM), or gender nonconforming. Frequent mental distress (≥14 days in the last month of "not good" mental health) was the primary outcome of interest. Analysis was performed using design-adjusted Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression models of frequent mental distress with gender identity as the independent variable of interest.RESULTS:Of 518,986 respondents, 0.51% identified as transgender. Higher rates of frequent mental distress were found between FTM (24.7% [18.5-32.3]) and gender nonconforming populations (25.4% [18.7-33.5]), compared with the MTF population (14.2% [10.9-18.3]). After controlling for sociodemographic factors, non-transgender female (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.39 [confidence interval, CI 1.32-1.46]), FTM (aOR 1.93 [CI 1.26-2.95]), and gender nonconforming (aOR 2.05 [CI 1.20-3.50]) identities were associated with increased odds of frequent mental distress compared with non-transgender males.CONCLUSIONS:Our findings suggest differences in the mental health of transgender and non-transgender individuals, and between gender minorities within transgender population. The differences persist after controlling for sociodemographic factors. Our results suggest that considering the spectrum of minority genders within the transgender population may be important in understanding health outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Most surveys use a single question to assess sex. The recommended two-step process asks two questions, sex assigned at birth and current gender identity, which better identifies gender minority populations. We use Pap smear data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to examine the impact of single question sex assessment on natal sex-specific condition data. METHODS: We analyzed data among people eligible for Pap smears in the 2014-2016 BRFSS (n= 294,171). In 2014-2015 “sex” was determined by interviewers' perception with “clarification if necessary;” in 2016 respondents were asked, “Are you male or female?” “Females” were asked about Paps. Transgender status was determined by asking “Do you consider yourself to be transgender?” We analyzed the “sex” and transgender status of respondents that were and were not asked about Paps using design-adjusted chi-square tests. RESULTS: Half of transmen (48.7%), compared to two-thirds (69.8%) of ciswomen, were asked whether they ever had a Pap (p-value <0.001). Sex was coded “male” for 31.8% (24.9-43.0%) of transmen. Pap data was not collected for any individuals coded as “male”. Among transmen labeled “female” there was no difference in those asked about Paps (71.4%) compared to ciswomen (69.8%, p-value=0.709). Of those who were asked, 17.5% of transmen had never had a pap compared to 6.8% of ciswomen (p-value <0.001). CONCLUSION: Transmen are less likely to be asked about, or to have had, a Pap than ciswomen. With a single sex question, surveys fail to capture natal sex-specific conditions accurately in gender minority populations.

Objectives: We sought to investigate associations between vitamin D levels and bowel and bladder disorders in women with vulvar diseases. Methods: This is a planned sub-analysis of a cross-sectional study comparing the prevalence of bowel and bladder symptoms in women with biopsy-proven vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) to a control group of women with non-lichenoid vulvar diseases. All subjects were recruited from a tertiary referral vulvar care clinic in a university-based practice. Serum vitamin D levels were measured and subjects self-completed questionnaires during study recruitment. Pelvic floor disorders were determined from the following questionnaires: Rome III Functional Bowel Disorders Questionnaire, the Bristol stool scale, the Medical, Social and Epidemiologic Aspects of Aging Questionnaire, and the Overactive Bladder-8 Question Version. Results: 181 women with vulvar diseases were included: 88 with LS and 93 with non-LS vulvar diseases. The mean age was 52.5 ± 15.3 years, and 94.5% were Caucasian. Vitamin D levels (26.8 ± 13.1 vs 29.5 ± 19.0 ng/mL), prevalence of low vitamin D levels (51.1% vs 45.2%), and vitamin D supplementation (42.0% vs 47.8%) were similar in women with and without LS ( p ≥ 0.27). These factors did not differ between women with and without overactive bladder (OAB) (vitamin D levels 30.1 ± 17.8 vs 26.3 ± 14.8 ng/mL), urinary incontinence (27.9 ± 15.2 vs 26.4 ± 11.0 ng/mL), constipation (26.7 ± 14.8 vs 28.5 ± 16.8 ng/mL), or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (30.8 ± 22.1 vs 27.6 ± 13.4 ng/mL). Conclusions: In this cohort of women with vulvar diseases, vitamin D levels and supplementation were not significantly different amongst women with vulvar lichen sclerosus or other non-lichenoid vulvar diseases. Furthermore, vitamin D levels are not serum biomarkers for OAB, urinary incontinence, constipation, or IBS.

OBJECTIVE:Vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) is known to occur in families, suggesting a genetic link. Genomic profiling of patients with vulvar LS was investigated to find underlying pathogenetic mechanisms, with the hope that targeted therapies and future clinical research will arise. METHODS:Two unrelated families with vulvar LS were investigated using whole-exome sequencing. Five affected sisters from 1 family were compared with their unaffected paternal aunt (unaffected control). A mother-daughter pair from a second affected family was compared with the first family. The results of the sequencing were compared with population-specific allele frequency databases to prioritize potential variants contributing to vulvar LS development. RESULTS:Recurrent germ-line variants in 4 genes were identified as likely to be deleterious to proper protein function in all of the 7 affected patients, but not in the unaffected control. The genes with variants included CD177 (neutrophil activation), CD200 (inhibitory signal to macrophages), ANKRD18A (ankyrin repeat protein, epigenetic regulation), and LATS2 (co-repressor of androgen signaling). CONCLUSIONS:Although many providers may see a mother and daughter with vulvar LS, this condition is rarely seen in multiple family members who are available for genetic testing. This is the first report to detail genomic profiling related to a familial association of vulvar LS.

Objectives This study aimed to characterize the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in a chronic pain population. Methods In this observational cohort study, patients referred to a female pelvic pain clinic completed several validated questionnaires assessing bladder symptoms, central sensitization, pain symptoms, depression, anxiety, and neuropathic pain. Patients diagnosed as having interstitial cystitis were excluded. Patient demographic characteristics and survey responses were compared across American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA-SI) severity categories. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of moderate-to-severe AUA-SI scores. Results A total of 177 patients were included in the analysis. American Urological Association Symptom Index data showed that 48.8% of patients had mild, 31.2% had moderate, and 20.0% had severe symptoms. Patients reporting moderate or severe AUA-SI scores had higher mean Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) scores (46.7 ± 16.0 vs 32.9 ± 13.8, P < 0.0001), McGill scores (median, 25 [interquartile range, 16–38] vs 13 [5–27]; P = 0.0003), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System depression T-scores (median, 53.9 [interquartile range, 46.2–61.6] vs 51.2 [37.1–55.3]; P = 0.009), Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency Symptoms Scale scores (18.4 ± 6.2 vs 12.5 ± 5.4, P < 0.0001), and Self-Administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs scores (median, 10.5 [interquartile range, 3.0–16.5] vs 6.0 [1.0–12.0]; P = 0.02). The odds of moderate-to-severe AUA-SI symptoms were higher with a positive PUF and CSI score and were lower with a diagnosis of vestibular pain. Conclusions There is a high prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms among patients with chronic pelvic pain. Vestibulodynia was associated with lower odds of bladder symptoms. High PUF and CSI scores were significantly associated with moderate-to-severe bladder symptoms.

OBJECTIVES:Rectovaginal fistulas can occur from both obstetric and nonobstetric (eg, inflammatory bowel disease, iatrogenic, or traumatic) etiologies. Current data on factors contributing to rectovaginal repair success or failure are limited, making adequate patient counseling difficult. Our objective was to compare outcomes of transperineal rectovaginal fistula repair performed in a single referral center on women with obstetric and nonobstetric causes. METHODS:We performed a retrospective cohort study of women who had a transperineal rectovaginal fistula repair performed by a urogynecologist at the University of Michigan from 2005 to 2015. Data were obtained by chart review and included demographics, medical comorbidities, fistula etiology, history of a prior fistula repair, failure of current repair, time to failure, and operative details. Repair failure was defined as fistula symptoms with presence of recurrent fistula on exam or imaging in the postoperative follow-up period. Comparisons between the obstetric and nonobstetric cohorts were performed using χ, Fisher exact, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Relative risks were calculated to identify predictors of failure. RESULTS:Eighty-eight women were included-53 obstetric and 35 nonobstetric fistulas. The overall fistula repair failure rate was 22.7% (n = 20). Median follow-up was 157.0 days (range, 47.5-402.0). Of all the factors, only nonobstetric etiology was significantly associated with an increased risk of repair failure (relative risk, 3.53 [range, 1.50-8.32]; P = 0.004. CONCLUSIONS:Nonobstetric rectovaginal fistulas have a nearly 4-fold increased risk of repair failure compared with obstetric fistulas. Our results will help surgeons adequately counsel patients on potential outcomes of surgical repair of obstetric versus nonobstetric rectovaginal fistulas.

PURPOSE Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are prevalent and burdensome, yet methods to enhance diagnosis and appropriately guide therapies are lacking. We systematically reviewed the literature for human studies of biomarkers associated with LUTS. MATERIALS AND METHODS PUBMED, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched from inception to February 13, 2018. Articles were included if they were in English, performed in benign urologic populations without neurologic disorders or interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, and assessed a biomarker's association with or ability to predict specific LUTS or urologic conditions. Bioinformatic pathway analyses were conducted to determine whether individual biomarkers associated with symptoms are present in unifying pathways. RESULTS Of 6,150 citations identified, 125 met inclusion criteria. Most studies (93.6%) assessed biomarkers at one time point and were cross-sectional in nature. Few studies adjusted for potentially confounding clinical variables or assessed biomarkers in an individual over time. No individual biomarkers are currently validated as diagnostic tools for LUTS. When compared to controls, pathway analyses identified multiple immune response pathways that were enriched in overactive bladder syndrome, and cell migration/cytoskeleton remodeling pathways that were enriched in female stress incontinence. CONCLUSIONS Major deficiencies in existing biomarker literature include poor reproducibility of laboratory data, unclear classification of LUTS patients, and lack of adjustment for clinical covariates. Despite limitations, we identified multiple putative pathways where panels of biologic markers need further research.

AimTo quantify home opioid use after cesarean delivery and identify factors associated with increased opioid use. MethodsA convenience sample of women discharged by postoperative day 2 following a term cesarean delivery of a singleton fetus from May 2015 to May 2016 were contacted 2weeks post-partum and questioned regarding opioid use, pain control and pain expectations. ResultsAmong 141 women included in the analysis, the median number of opioid tablets used was 36 (interquartile range 16-45) and the median number prescribed was 60 (interquartile range 42-65). Logistic regression identified operative time 59.5min and number of opioid tablets prescribed as two factors independently associated with opioid use in the top quartile. ConclusionIn the first 2weeks post-partum, 75% of women used 45 or fewer opioid tablets. Operative time over 1h and increased number of opioid tablets prescribed are factors associated with higher post-partum opioid use.

In clinical studies involving sacral neuromodulation (SNM) and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) for bladder dysfunction and pelvic pain, female patients sometimes note an additional positive impact on sexual function. Few studies have examined this effect preclinically, and there is no standard method for evaluation of genital arousal. Our goals are to investigate the underlying mechanisms of nerve stimulation elicited changes in genital sexual function and to assess behavioral impacts with a preclinical model. In anesthetized female rats, we isolated and stimulated the pudendal nerve (distal branch of SNM target nerve) or tibial nerve unilaterally for thirty minutes with a cuff electrode. Vaginal blood perfusion was measured with laser Doppler flowmetry. Changes in the neurogenic frequency range (NGF; 0.076-0.200 Hz) of the vaginal wall were assessed with wavelet analysis. This frequency analysis focuses on autonomic nervous system-driven effects while rejecting artifacts due to other physiological processes. We identified large increases in the NGF energy (threshold = 500% increase from baseline) as a proxy for genital sexual arousal. Behavioral studies to determine the impact of peripheral stimulation have begun.

OBJECTIVES:To perform a pilot study using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on the dorsal genital nerve and the posterior tibial nerve for improving symptoms of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in women without bladder problems. We hypothesize that this therapy will be effective at improving genital arousal deficits.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Nine women with general FSD completed the study. Subjects received 12 sessions of transcutaneous dorsal genital nerve stimulation (DGNS; n = 6) or posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS; n = 3). Stimulation was delivered for 30 min at 20 Hz. Sexual functioning was evaluated with the female sexual functioning index (FSFI), and surveys were also given on general health, urological functioning, and the Patients' Global Impression of Change (PGIC) after treatment. Surveys were given before treatment (baseline), after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment, and 6 weeks after the completion of stimulation sessions.RESULTS:The average total FSFI score across all subjects significantly increased from 15.3 ± 4.8 at baseline to 20.3 ± 7.8 after six sessions, 21.7 ± 7.5 after 12 sessions, and 21.3 ± 7.1 at study completion (p < 0.05 for all time points). Increases were observed in both DGNS and PTNS subjects. Significant FSFI increases were seen in the subdomains of lubrication, arousal, and orgasm, each of which is related to genital arousal. Bladder and general health surveys did not change across the study. PGIC had a significant increase.CONCLUSIONS:This study provides evidence that transcutaneous stimulation of peripheral nerves has the potential to be a valuable therapeutic tool for women with FSD.

Validated questionnaires are commonly used in research, but successful completion rates in clinical settings are largely unknown. The primary goal of this study was to assess the frequency of appropriate completion of a validated research survey. We secondarily examined relationships between demographics and successful questionnaire completion.

BACKGROUND: Prolapse of the anterior and posterior vaginal walls has been generally associated with apical descent and levator ani muscle defects. However, the relative contributions of these factors to the pathophysiology of descent in the different vaginal compartments is not well understood. Furthermore, symptoms uniquely associated with prolapse in these compartments have not been well characterized. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to compare the associations between the following: (1) apical support, (2) levator ani muscles, and (3) pelvic floor symptoms in women with posterior-predominant prolapse, anterior-predominant prolapse, and normal support. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study with 2 case arms: 60 women with posterior prolapse, 90 with anterior prolapse, and a referent control arm with 103 asymptomatic subjects with normal support, determined from pelvic organ prolapse quantification examinations. Levator muscle defects were graded from magnetic resonance imaging. Vaginal closure forces above resting were measured with an instrumented speculum during maximal contraction. Pelvic floor symptoms were measured via the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-Short Form. RESULTS: Mean point C location in controls was -6.9 cm [1.5] (mean [standard deviation]); and was higher in posterior prolapse (-4.7 cm [2.7], 2.2 cm below controls) than the anterior prolapse group (-1.2 cm [4.1]; 5.6 cm below controls, P < .001 for all comparisons). Normal-appearing muscles (ie, muscle without a visible defect) occurred at similar frequencies in posterior prolapse (45%) and controls (51%, P = .43) but less often in anterior prolapse (28%, P <= .03 for pairwise comparisons). Major levator ani defects occurred at similar rates in women with posterior (33%) and anterior prolapse (42%, P = .27) but less often in controls (16%, P <= .012 for both pairwise comparisons). Similarly, there were significant differences in generated vaginal closure forces across the 3 groups, with the prolapse groups generating weaker closure forces than the control group (P = .004), but the differences between the 2 prolapse groups were not significant after controlling for prolapse size (P = .43). Pelvic floor symptoms were more severe for the posterior (mean Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory score, 129) and anterior prolapse groups (score, 128) than the controls (score, 40.2, P < .001 for both comparisons); the difference between the 2 prolapse groups was not significant (P = .83). CONCLUSION: Posterior-predominant prolapse involves an almost 3-fold less apical descent below normal than anterior-predominant vaginal prolapse. Levator ani defects and muscle impairment also have a lower impact. Pelvic floor symptoms reflect the presence and size of prolapse more than the predominant lax vaginal compartment.

Peripheral nerve stimulation (neuromodulation) for bladder symptoms has led to improvements in sexual function for some patients. Further studies specifically into neuromodulation for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) are limited. We are performing a pilot clinical study (NCT02692417) of neuromodulation for FSD and have an online survey to assess the interests of women in receiving neuromodulation. In the clinical study, women with FSD, are sexually active, and have no bladder problems or neurological disorders receive 12 weekly 30-minute transcutaneous electrical stimulation sessions at the tibial nerve (TN; above medial ankle) or at the dorsal genital nerve (DGN; adjacent to clitoris). At start, 6, 12, and 18 weeks, sexual function is assessed with the female sexual function index (FSFI). Separately, we have an online survey (Sawtooth Software) that was shared at relevant clinics and a health research portal. The primary survey components are 12 randomly selected choice-based conjoint questions in which the participant chooses between two treatment options. Potential treatments are daily, weekly, and on-demand pills, TN and DGN weekly sessions, and sacral nerve neuromodulation (SNM). Each treatment option is listed with one of three levels (low, medium, high) for efficacy, side effects, and cost. The survey also includes the short FSFI, questions on demographics, and a bladder symptom index.

Background: There is clinical evidence that percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation can positively benefit women with female sexual interest/arousal disorder, yet no studies have explored the potential mechanisms further. Aim: To investigate the effect of tibial nerve stimulation on vaginal blood perfusion (VBP) in an anesthetized rat model. Methods: 16 ketamine-anesthetized rats were surgically implanted with a nerve cuff electrode on 1 tibial nerve. The tibial nerve was stimulated for 30 minutes continuously or non-continuously at a frequency of 10 to 25 Hz. Outcomes: VBP was measured with laser Doppler flowmetry and analyzed using a wavelet transform of timefrequency representations with a focus on the neurogenic energy range (0.07-0.200 Hz). Results: 25 of 33 (75.8%) stimulation periods had at least a 500% increase in laser Doppler flowmetry neurogenic energy compared with baseline. This increase was most common within 20 to 35 minutes after the start of stimulation. There was no statistically significant difference for frequency used or estrous cycle stage. Clinical Translation: The results of this study provide further support for percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation as an alternative treatment option for women with genital arousal aspects of female sexual interest/arousal disorder. Strengths and Limitations: This study successfully demonstrates the ability of tibial nerve stimulation to increase VBP. However, further studies to determine parameter optimization and to illuminate neural mechanisms are needed. Further studies also are necessary to determine effects of repeated stimulation sessions. Conclusion: Long-duration tibial stimulation was successful at driving increases in the neurogenic component of VBP, providing evidence that tibial nerve stimulation could be used to treat genital arousal aspects of female sexual interest/arousal disorder by improving pelvic blood flow. Zimmerman LL, Rice IC, Berger MB, Bruns TM. Tibial Nerve Stimulation to Drive Genital Sexual Arousal in an Anesthetized Female Rat. J Sex Med 2018;15:296-303. Copyright (C)2018, International Society for Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.