Apparatus, system, and method for genital nerve stimulation
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-17
AI Technical Summary
Individuals with urinary incontinence, particularly women with spinal cord injuries, lack effective non-invasive solutions for managing the condition, as current options such as diapers are undesirable due to stigma and skin irritation.
A system comprising an electrode with a body and projections made from a dry, nonmetallic conductive material, secured against the genitals using an undergarment or pad, and connected to a stimulation generator for non-invasive genital nerve stimulation.
The system provides effective non-invasive genital stimulation, improving urinary continence by inhibiting bladder contractions, thus offering a more desirable alternative to traditional incontinence management methods.
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Figure US2024041645_20022025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR GENITAL NERVE STIMULATIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 519,023, filed August 11, 2023, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.FIELD
[0002] This application relates to providing non-invasive genital stimulation for continence of a subject.BACKGROUND
[0003] For individuals struggling with urinary incontinence, few options are available for managing the condition. Difficulties for managing incontinence are particularly challenging for women with spinal cord injury (SCI). Generally, diapers are the primary solution. However, diapers can be undesirable for various reasons, from stigma to skin irritation. Accordingly, an alternative solution is desirable.SUMMARY
[0004] Disclosed herein, in one aspect, is an electrode for providing non-invasive genital stimulation for continence of a subject. The electrode includes a body and a plurality of projections extending from the body. The body and projections are unitarily formed from a dry, nonmetallic conductive material.
[0005] Also disclosed herein is an assembly for providing non-invasive genital stimulation for continence of a subject. The assembly includes at least one electrode and a structure for securing the at least one electrode against genitals of a subject proximate a genital nerve branch of the subject. The structure can be, for example, an undergarment or a pad.
[0006] Also disclosed herein is a kit for providing non-invasive genital stimulation for continence of a subject. The kit includes a wearable undergarment having at least one electrode embedded therein. A removable module can be receivable within the wearable undergarment.The removable module can include a stimulation generator that is configured to: electrically couple to the at least one electrode; and generate an electrical potential at the at least one electrode.
[0007] Also disclosed herein is method for noninvasively providing genital stimulation for continence. The method includes positioning at least one electrode against genitals of a subject proximate a genital nerve branch of the subject; and applying a stimulation routine to the genital nerve branch with the at least one electrode.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the disclosed apparatus, system, and method and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed apparatus, system, and method.
[0009] FIG. l is a perspective view of an exemplary electrode for providing genital nerve stimulation as disclosed herein.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top view of the exemplary electrode of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of the exemplary electrode of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a system for providing genital nerve stimulation as disclosed herein.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary assembly comprising electrodes for providing genital nerve stimulation as disclosed herein.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a top view of the exemplary assembly of FIG. 5.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the exemplary assembly of FIG. 5.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a side view of the exemplary assembly of FIG. 5.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The disclosed system and method may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of particular embodiments and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.
[0018] It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims.
[0019] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an electrode” amounts to a disclosure of embodiments in which only a single electrode is provided, as well as a disclosure of embodiments in which a plurality of such electrodes are provided.
[0020] “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event, circumstance, or material may or may not occur or be present, and that the description includes instances where the event, circumstance, or material occurs or is present and instances where it does not occur or is not present.
[0021] Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, also specifically contemplated and considered disclosed is the range from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another, specifically contemplated embodiment that should be considered disclosed unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. Finally, it should be understood that all of the individual values and sub-ranges of values contained within an explicitly disclosed range are also specifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. The foregoing applies regardless of whether in particular cases some or all of these embodiments are explicitly disclosed.
[0022] Optionally, in some aspects, when values or characteristics are approximated by use of the antecedents “about,” “substantially,” or “generally,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value or characteristic can be included within the scope of those aspects.
[0023] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which the disclosed apparatus, system, and method belong. Although any apparatus, systems, and methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present apparatus, system, and method, the particularly useful methods, devices, systems, and materials are as described.
[0024] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps. In particular, in methods stated as comprising one or more steps or operations it is specifically contemplated that each step comprises what is listed (unless that step includes a limiting term such as “consisting of’), meaning that each step is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps that are not listed in the step. As used in the specification and in the claims, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” can include the aspects “consists of,” “consisting of,” “consists essentially of,” and / or “consisting essentially of.”
[0025] Disclosed herein in various aspects, and with reference to FIGS. 1-3, is an electrode 10 for providing non-invasive genital stimulation to thereby provide or improve continence of a subject. The electrode 10 can comprise a body 12 and a plurality of projections 20 extending from the body 12. The body 12 and projections 20 can be unitarily formed from a dry, nonmetallic conductive material.
[0026] In some aspects, the dry, nonmetallic conductive material can comprise polymer and carbon. For example, the carbon of the dry, nonmetallic conductive material can be homogeneously distributed within at least a portion of the polymer (e.g., homogeneously distributed throughout the polymer). Additionally, or alternatively, it is contemplated that thecarbon can be heterogeneously distributed within at least a portion of the polymer (e.g., with the carbon distributed heterogeneously throughout the polymer).
[0027] In some aspects, the polymer of the dry, nonmetallic conductive material can comprise or be poly dimethyl siloxane (PDMS). In other aspects, the polymer of the dry, nonmetallic conductive material can comprise or be polyvinyl acetate (PVA). For example, the dry, nonmetallic conductive material can be embodied as disclosed in U.S. Application Patent Publication No. 2023 / 0158293, published May 25, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0028] In some aspects, the carbon of the dry, nonmetallic conductive material can comprise or be carbon black. In other aspects, the carbon of the dry, nonmetallic conductive material can comprise or be graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanowires, combinations thereof, or other structure of carbon that provides conductivity to the polymer. Generally, the dry, nonmetallic conductive material can be a biocompatible material.
[0029] In some aspects, the body 12 and the projections 20 can be formed via dip molding. For example, a mold can be inserted into uncured polymer so that the uncured polymer forms a layer on or over the surfaces of the mold. The mold can have the general shape of the body 12 and projections 20, less the thickness of the layer of polymer that forms on the surfaces of the mold. In some aspects, the projections 20 can be hollow.
[0030] The electrode 10 can be oblong along a first axis 4. In some aspects, the electrode 10 can have rounded ends 14 spaced along the first axis 4. The electrode 10 can have parallel edges 16 that extend between the rounded ends 14 and are spaced along a second axis 6 that is perpendicular to the first axis 4. The rounded ends can improve current density at the site of contact, thereby avoiding high current densities typically found at the edge of conductors. High current densities can lead to discomfort.
[0031] In some aspects, the electrode 10 can have a length from about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 (e.g., about 2.15) inches along the first axis 4. In some aspects, the electrode can have a width from about 0.5 inches to about 1 inch (e.g., about 0.7 inches) along the second axis 6.
[0032] It is contemplated that the projections 20 can provide electrical contact with a desired contact area of the subject, even where hair is present. That is, the contact can be sufficient to permit conduction of electrical current between the projections and the subject. More generally, the electrode 10 can have flexibility to contour to geometry of the skin of the subject so that a plurality of the projections 20 (e.g., at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, substantially all, or all) simultaneously contact the skin of subject. In some aspects, the projections 20 can have rounded tips 22. In some aspects, the projections 20 can be arranged in a plurality of rows and columns. Optionally, in these aspects, adjacent rows can be offset from each other (e.g., by 1 the spacing of adjacent projections in each row). In some optional aspects, each row can have from about 6 to about 10 projections (e.g., 8 or 9 projections). In some optional aspects, the electrode can have from about two to about four rows of projections (e.g., three rows). In various aspects, the spacing (center-to-center) between adjacent projections 20 in each row and in each column can be consistent. In other aspects, the spacing between adjacent projections in each row and in each column can be inconsistent. For example, in some aspects, certain portions of the electrode 10 can have a higher density of projections 20 than others. In other aspects, the electrode 10 can have an even density of projections 20 thereacross.
[0033] In some aspects, adjacent projections 20 in each row can be spaced by about 0.2 inches (center-to-center). In various optional aspects, the projections 20 can extend from the base by a length from about 0.15 inches to about 0.25 inches (e.g., about 0.2 inches). In some aspects, the projections 20 can have circular cross sections, each have a diameter from about 0.05 inches to about 0.2 inches (e.g., about 0.1 inches). The projections 20 can cooperate to define an active area 24, defined by an area across which the projections 20 span. For example, in use, the base can be configured to be spaced from the subject. Thus, the active area of the electrode 10 that is configured to be in contact with the subject can be defined by the active area within a perimeter that surrounds the projections 20. In some aspects, the active area can have a length from about 1.5 inches to 2 inches (e.g., about 1.7 inches). In some aspects, the active area can have a width from about 0.2 to about 0.5 inches (e.g., about 0.3 inches).
[0034] In some aspects, the electrode 10 can be free of adhesive. Conventional electrodes comprising adhesive can be difficult to place. Further, conventional electrodes comprising adhesive can form poor adhesion to the region of interest (e.g., due to hair and topography),thereby forming poor electrical connection and undesirably shocking the subject. Further, conventional electrodes can inadvertently detach.
[0035] Referring also to FIG. 4, an assembly 100 for providing non-invasive genital stimulation for continence of a subject can include one or more electrodes 10. For example, in some aspects, the assembly 100 can have only one single electrode 10. In other aspects, the assembly 100 includes at least two electrodes 10. Optionally, in these aspects, the assembly can have exactly two electrodes 10. In further aspects, the assembly 100 can comprise three or four electrodes 10.
[0036] The assembly 100 can further comprise a structure 110 for securing the electrode(s) 10 against genitals or other bodily region of a subject proximate a genital nerve branch of the subject. In some aspects, the subject can be female-bodied. Accordingly, in some optional aspects, the structure 110 can be configured to engage female genitals. For example, the some aspects, the structure can be configured to extend across the female genitals, while holding the electrode(s) 10 against the genitals. In some aspects, the structure 110 can comprise an undergarment (e.g., underwear). In other aspects, and with reference to FIGS. 5-8, the structure 100 can comprise a pad 140. The pad 140 can be configured to be worn within an undergarment. Optionally, in these aspects, the pad 140 can comprise adhesive for adhering to the undergarment. In other aspects, the pad 140 can comprise fasteners 152 (e.g., snaps or magnets) that secure the pad to the undergarment. For example, the pad 140 can comprise wings 150 that are configured to fold around edges of the undergarment. The fasteners 152 can retain the wings 150 wrapped around the edges of the undergarment so that portions of the undergarment are positioned between the wings and a main body of the pad 140. In exemplary aspects, the fasteners can be configured to secure the wings 150 to the main body of the pad through the undergarment. In some aspects, the pad 140 can be formed from the same or similar material as a sanitary pad. The electrode(s) 10 can be bonded to the pad 140 (e.g., via head bonding), adhered thereto (e.g., via conductive adhesive), or otherwise coupled thereto. In some aspects, the pad 140 can be washable and reusable. In other aspects, the pad 140 can be disposable. Optionally, the electrodes 10 can be separated from the pad 140 so that the electrodes can be reused with a new pad. For example, the electrodes 10 can be coupled to the pad 140 via a conductive adhesive that permits separation of the electrodes 10 from the pad 140. In some aspects, the pad 140 can comprise a connector or cable 154 that provides electricalcommunication with a stimulation generator. The pad 140 can further comprise conductors that extend between the connector or cable 154 and the electrodes 110.
[0037] The structure 110 can hold the electrodes 10 in a particular configuration relative to the subject. For example, the female-bodied individuals for whom a pair of electrodes on the labia majora is feasible and desirable, the pad 10 can position the electrodes on the labia majora. For female-bodied individuals for whom electrodes on the labia majora is not feasible or desirable, an electrode (e.g., a return electrode) may be placed on the inner thigh (optionally, each inner thigh), as illustrated in FIG. 4. In various aspects, the structure 110 can be configured to position the electrode(s) 10 against the labia majora, the labia minora, against the clitoris, or adjacent the the labia majora, the labia minora, or the clitoris.
[0038] The assembly 100 can further comprise a stimulation generator 120 in electrical communication with the electrode(s) 10. In some aspects, the stimulation generator 120 can comprise a microprocessor that is configured to deliver one or more stimulation routines. The system can further comprise a user input device (e.g., a control fob) that is configured to interface with the stimulation generator to control operation thereof. For example, the subject can cause the stimulation generator 120 to start and stop. In this way, if the subject chooses to urinate, the subject can cause the stimulation generator 120 to cease stimulation.
[0039] A kit 200 can comprise a wearable undergarment 202 having at least one electrode 10 embedded therein. Optionally, the electrode(s) 10 can be within a pad that is within the undergarment. In other aspects, the electrode(s) 10 can be embedded within the wearable undergarment itself. In some aspects, the electrode(s) 10 can be bonded (e.g., heat bonded) to the wearable undergarment. In some aspects, the electrode(s) 10 can be received within pockets of the undergarment.
[0040] The kit 200 can further comprise a removable module 210. Optionally, the removable module 210 can be receivable within the wearable undergarment 202. For example, the wearable undergarment 202 can comprise a pocket 204 that is configured to receive the removable module 210. The removable module 210 can comprise a stimulation generator 120 that is configured to electrically couple to the at least one electrode 10. For example, a conductive adhesive can be applied between the at least one electrode 10 and a wire that extends to the stimulation generator120. The stimulation generator 120 can further be configured to generate an electrical potential at the at least one electrode 10. It is contemplated that the wires to the stimulation generator 120 can be non-permanently coupled to the electrodes 10 so that the electrodes can be disposed of and replaced, whereas the stimulation generator 120 can be reused.
[0041] The kit 200 can further comprise a control fob 220 in communication with the removable module 210. The control fob 220 can comprise at least one button 222 or other input device (e.g., touch screen, voice recognition, wheel, slider, joystick, etc.) that permits a subject to control at least one parameter of the stimulation generator. For example, in some aspects, the parameter can be on or off. In other aspects, the at least one parameter can comprise stimulation amplitude. In further aspects, the at least one parameter can comprise stimulation frequency.
[0042] A method for noninvasively providing genital stimulation for continence can comprise positioning at least one electrode 10 against genitals of a subject proximate a genital nerve branch of the subject. In some aspects, the subject can be female-bodied. For example, a pair of electrodes 10 can be positioned so that current passing therebetween passes through the superficial genital nerve. A stimulation routine can be applied to the genital nerve branch with the electrode. In some aspects, the stimulation routine can be configured to improve urinary continence. In some aspects, the stimulation routine can be a closed-loop neuromodulation stimulation routine to inhibit bladder contractions. For example, the stimulator 120 can receive a feedback signal from the subject and adjust the stimulation routine based on the feedback signal. In some aspects, the feedback signal can be associated with an electrical signal from the subject’s nervous system. For example, the feedback signal can be associated with an electrical signal corresponding to a muscle contraction. In response to the feedback signal, the stimulation routine can be changed. For example, the stimulation routine can be started or stopped in response to the feedback signal. In some aspects, the amplitude of the stimulation routine can be increased or decreased in response to the feedback signal. In some aspects, the frequency of the stimulation routine can be increased or decreased in response to the feedback signal.EXEMPLARY ASPECTS
[0043] In view of the described products, systems, and methods and variations thereof, herein below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the invention. Theseparticularly recited aspects should not however be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein, or that the “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.
[0044] Aspect 1 : An electrode for providing non-invasive genital stimulation for continence of a subject, the electrode comprising: a body; and a plurality of projections extending from the body, wherein the body and projections are unitarily formed from a dry, nonmetallic conductive material.
[0045] Aspect 2: The electrode of aspect 1, wherein the dry, nonmetallic conductive material comprises polymer and carbon.
[0046] Aspect 3: The electrode of aspect 2, wherein the polymer comprises PDMS.
[0047] Aspect 4: The electrode of aspect 2, wherein the polymer comprises PVA.
[0048] Aspect 5: The electrode of any one of aspects 2-4, wherein the carbon comprises carbon black.
[0049] Aspect 6: The electrode of any one of aspects 2-5, wherein the carbon of the dry, nonmetallic conductive material is homogeneously distributed within the polymer.
[0050] Aspect 7: The electrode of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the plurality of projections have rounded tips.
[0051] Aspect 8: The electrode of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the body and the plurality of projections are formed via dip molding.
[0052] Aspect 9: The electrode of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the plurality of projections are hollow.
[0053] Aspect 10: The electrode of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the plurality of projections are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns.
[0054] Aspect 11 : The electrode array of aspect 10, wherein each row has from about 6 to about 10 projections.
[0055] Aspect 12: The electrode array of aspect 10, wherein the electrode has from two to four rows of projections.
[0056] Aspect 13: The electrode array of aspect 10, wherein adjacent projections in each row are spaced by about 0.2 inches.
[0057] Aspect 14: The electrode of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the electrode is oblong along a first axis.
[0058] Aspect 15: The electrode of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the electrode has rounded ends spaced along a first axis, wherein the electrode has parallel edges that are spaced along a second axis that is parallel to the first axis, wherein the parallel edges extend between the rounded ends.
[0059] Aspect 16: The electrode of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the electrode has a length from about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches.
[0060] Aspect 17: The electrode of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the electrode has a width from about 0.5 inches to about 1 inch.
[0061] Aspect 18: The electrode of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the projections extend from the base by a length from about 0.15 inches to about 0.25 inches.
[0062] Aspect 19: The electrode of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the projections each have a diameter from about 0.05 inches to about 0.2 inches.
[0063] Aspect 20: An assembly for providing non-invasive genital stimulation for continence of a subject, the assembly comprising: at least one electrode as in any one of the preceding aspects; anda structure for securing the at least one electrode against genitals of a subject proximate a genital nerve branch of the subject.
[0064] Aspect 21 : The assembly of aspect 20, wherein the structure for securing the at least one electrode against genitals comprises an undergarment.
[0065] Aspect 22: The assembly of aspect 20, wherein the structure for securing the at least one electrode against genitals comprises a pad.
[0066] Aspect 23: The assembly of aspect 22, wherein the pad comprises adhesive for adhering to an undergarment.
[0067] Aspect 24: The assembly of aspect 20, further comprising a stimulation generator in electrical communication with the at least one electrode.
[0068] Aspect 25: A kit comprising: a wearable undergarment having at least one electrode as in any one of aspects 1-19 embedded therein; and a removable module that is receivable within the wearable undergarment, wherein the removable module comprises a stimulation generator that is configured to: electrically couple to the at least one electrode; and generate an electrical potential at the at least one electrode.
[0069] Aspect 26: The kit of aspect 25, further comprising a control fob in communication with the removable module, wherein the control fob comprises at least one button that permits a subject to control at least one parameter of the stimulation generator.
[0070] Aspect 27: The kit of aspect 25, wherein the wearable undergarment comprises a pocket that is configured to receive the removable module.
[0071] Aspect 28: A method for noninvasively providing genital stimulation for continence, the method comprising:
[0072] positioning at least one electrode as in any one of aspects 1-19 against genitals of a subject proximate a genital nerve branch of the subject; and
[0073] applying a stimulation routine to the genital nerve branch with the at least one electrode.
[0074] Aspect 29: The method of aspect 28, wherein the stimulation routine is configured to improve urinary continence.
[0075] Aspect 30: The method of aspect 28, wherein the stimulation routine is a closed-loop neuromodulation stimulation routine to inhibit bladder contractions.
[0076] While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certain embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.
Claims
ClaimsWhat is claimed is:
1. An electrode for providing non-invasive genital stimulation for continence of a subject, the electrode comprising: a body; and a plurality of projections extending from the body, wherein the body and projections are unitarily formed from a dry, nonmetallic conductive material.
2. The electrode of claim 1, wherein the dry, nonmetallic conductive material comprises polymer and carbon.
3. The electrode of claim 2, wherein the polymer comprises PDMS.
4. The electrode of claim 2, wherein the polymer comprises PVA.
5. The electrode of claim 2, wherein the carbon comprises carbon black.
6. The electrode of claim 2, wherein the carbon of the dry, nonmetallic conductive material is homogeneously distributed within the polymer.
7. The electrode of claim 1, wherein the plurality of projections have rounded tips.
8. The electrode of claim 1, wherein the body and the plurality of projections are formed via dip molding.
9. The electrode of claim 1, wherein the plurality of projections are hollow.
10. The electrode of claim 1, wherein the plurality of projections are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns.
11. The electrode array of claim 10, wherein each row has from about 6 to about 10 projections.
12. The electrode array of claim 10, wherein the electrode has from two to four rows of projections.
13. The electrode array of claim 10, wherein adjacent projections in each row are spaced by about 0.2 inches.
14. The electrode of claim 1, wherein the electrode is oblong along a first axis.
15. The electrode of claim 1, wherein the electrode has rounded ends spaced along a first axis, wherein the electrode has parallel edges that are spaced along a second axis that is parallel to the first axis, wherein the parallel edges extend between the rounded ends.
16. The electrode of claim 1, wherein the electrode has a length from about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches.
17. The electrode of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrode has a width from about 0.5 inches to about 1 inch.
18. The electrode of claim 1, wherein the projections extend from the base by a length from about 0.15 inches to about 0.25 inches.
19. The electrode of claim 1, wherein the projections each have a diameter from about 0.05 inches to about 0.2 inches.
20. An assembly for providing non-invasive genital stimulation for continence of a subject, the assembly comprising: at least one electrode as in any one of the preceding claims; and a structure for securing the at least one electrode against genitals of a subject proximate a genital nerve branch of the subject.
21. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the structure for securing the at least one electrode against genitals comprises an undergarment.
22. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the structure for securing the at least one electrode against genitals comprises a pad.
23. The assembly of claim 22, wherein the pad comprises adhesive for adhering to an undergarment.
24. The assembly of claim 20, further comprising a stimulation generator in electrical communication with the at least one electrode.
25. A kit comprising: a wearable undergarment having at least one electrode as in any one of claims 1-19 embedded therein; and a removable module that is receivable within the wearable undergarment, wherein the removable module comprises a stimulation generator that is configured to: electrically couple to the at least one electrode; and generate an electrical potential at the at least one electrode.
26. The kit of claim 25, further comprising a control fob in communication with the removable module, wherein the control fob comprises at least one button that permits a subject to control at least one parameter of the stimulation generator.
27. The kit of claim 25, wherein the wearable undergarment comprises a pocket that is configured to receive the removable module.
28. A method for noninvasively providing genital stimulation for continence, the method comprising: positioning at least one electrode as in any one of claims 1-19 against genitals of a subject proximate a genital nerve branch of the subject; and applying a stimulation routine to the genital nerve branch with the at least one electrode.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the stimulation routine is configured to improve urinary continence.
30. The method of claim 28, wherein the stimulation routine is a closed-loop neuromodulation stimulation routine to inhibit bladder contractions.