Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Genital nerve stimulation for bowel issues in spinal cord injury patients

Official title: Short-term Genital Nerve Stimulation to Modulate Anorectal Reflex Activity in Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction in Individuals Living With Spinal Cord Injury

Run by MetroHealth Medical Center · NCT05626816 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if genital nerve stimulation can help people with spinal cord injuries who struggle with bowel control and fecal incontinence.

More Fecal Incontinence trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment52 (estimated)
SponsorMetroHealth Medical Center
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cleveland, Ohio)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 21, 2023
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2026
Study endsDecember 31, 2026
Registry record updatedNovember 4, 2026
Trial IDNCT05626816 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with traumatic spinal cord injuries at or above the T12 level, who are at least six months post-injury and can respond to genital nerve stimulation.

Probably not a fit

Patients currently enrolled in other electrical stimulation trials or those with certain medical complications may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of genital nerve stimulation (GNS) on fecal incontinence in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Participants will undergo a screening visit to assess their response to GNS, followed by a series of assessments including anorectal manometry to evaluate bowel function. The study aims to collect comprehensive data on bowel-related issues and the potential effectiveness of GNS in reducing fecal incontinence. The research is designed to identify which patients may benefit from this intervention and how it may improve their quality of life.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce fecal incontinence and improve the quality of life for individuals living with spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using genital nerve stimulation is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in addressing bowel dysfunction in spinal cord injury patients.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Traumatic SCI
* Minimum 6 months post-injury
* Aged 18 years or older
* Neurological level of injury T12 or higher AIS grade A-D defined by ISNCSCI
* Response to genital nerve stimulation upon screening
* Able to understand and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently enrolled in another functional electrical stimulation (FES) research trial
* Females who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the trial
* Presence of cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillator or other implanted FES device if, upon clinical exam, it may have an interaction with GNS.
* In the judgement of the PI or Co-Investigators, presence of medical complications that may interfere with the execution of the study.

Where it's running

  • MetroHealth Medical System Old Brooklyn Campus
    Cleveland, Ohio, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.