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| LAST UPDATED : Sep 24th, 2002 - 14:29:23 |
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Female Sexual Dysfunction
Two treatments that improve local vasodilation were associated with a reduction in symptoms of sexual dysfunction among women, according to the results of two studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association. Topical alprostadil (Alista), manufactured by Vivus Inc., increased both genital vasocongestion and sexual response in 79 healthy women aged 35-70 years. All of the study participants had gone through either surgical or natural menopause and had a diagnosis of female sexual arousal disorder, reported Dr. Marc Gittelman, a urologist in group practice in Aventura, Fla., and a paid investigator for Vivus. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients were randomized to either placebo or topical alprostadil in 100- or 400-µg doses. The patients applied the cream to the clitoris, periurethral area, vaginal introitus, outer vagina, and inner surfaces of the labia minora. They then watched 30 minutes of video that included sexual content, followed by 30 minutes of video with neutral content. Study participants then were observed for 60 minutes of follow-up. Observers rated genital erythema and edema 1 and 2 hours after application of the drug. Patients reported feelings of lubrication, pelvic fullness, warmth/tingling, arousal, and satisfaction with arousal. Self-reports were begun at 5 minutes after alprostadil application, and at 15-minute increments. Both doses of alprostadil were associated with a significant vasodilatory response. Vasocongestion was noted in 82% of the 100-µg group and in 79% of the 400-µg group; a vasodilatory response occurred in 18% of the placebo group. Self-reported arousal peaked at 30 minutes after application, which coincided with the completion of the video that included sexual content. Both alprostadil groups reported significantly higher levels of sexual arousal and lubrication than the placebo group. There was no significant difference in feelings of arousal between the 100-mg and 400-mg groups. The most commonly reported adverse events were genital erythema and burning. A vacuum-induced clitoral engorgement device was the subject of a small study of 13 women with diabetes and sexual arousal disorder. Dr. Kevin Billups, a urologist in Minneapolis, reported that regular use of the Eros Therapy device, marketed by UroMetrics Inc., St. Paul, led to significant improvements in genital sensation, lubrication, and ability to achieve orgasm and increased overall sexual satisfaction, with no adverse events. Dr. Billups is a paid consultant for UroMetrics. Eros Therapy is a small, battery-operated device with a soft cup that fits over the clitoris. A gentle vacuum increases the blood flow to the area, causing vaginal dilation, increased lubrication, and increased arousal, according to the company. Patients used the device at least four times per week, with at least two of the uses before intercourse. After 3 months, 85% of the patients reported greater genital sensation, 92% had increased lubrication, 62% had an increased ability to achieve orgasm, and 85% reported increased overall sexual satisfaction. © Copyright 2001, All Rights Reserved - Center
For Clinical Age Management, Inc. |
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