When Pfizer released Viagra in 1998, they revolutionized oral medical management for male impotence. Tens of millions of men are now taking the medication to treat their sexual difficulties. Sadly though, no such drug is known to remedy female sexual dysfunctions. However, pharmaceutical industries and researchers continue to look at possibilities of using Viagra (Sildenafil) on women.
A study by Dr. Arthur L. Bennett suggested that female impotence have similar physical characteristics to male impotence. When men have trouble initiating and maintaining erection, this may be due to reduced flow of blood to the penis. Dr. Bennett reasoned that women, who have poor orgasms, are unable to achieve orgasm or who suffer from vaginal dryness may also experience insufficient blood flow to the vaginal area. He and his staff are currently examining how effective Viagra is in treating this problem. Although he does not recommend that Viagra be prescribed to women yet, he thinks that the drug can offer benefits to women as it does to men.
Another study by J. Berman, et al assessed sexual response on women who have sexual arousal disorders and evaluated the effect of Sildenafil on their responses. This research involved 17 post - menopausal or hysterectomized women. Responses such as genital blood flow velocity, vaginal pH and vaginal compliance were measured before and after sexual stimulation. The women were stimulated using a 15-minute erotic video and a vibrator. Results showed that there is a significant increase on female sexual response to visual and vibratory stimulation when Sildenafil was used. There was also significant vaginal pH increase with Sildenafil compared to placebo. The blood flow to the clitoris also improved indicating that vasoactive medications such as Sildenafil may be able to address sexual problems related to decreased blood flow.
BA Kaplan, et al evaluated the safety and efficacy of Sildenafil on postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction. The study assessed the sexual response of 33 women with self - described sexual difficulties. The treatment of Sildenafil lasted for three months and the dosage was maintained at 50 mg. Assessment was done every 4 weeks using a self - administered Index of Female Sexual Function (IFSF). The IFSF measures the domains of desire, quality of sexual intercourse, overall satisfaction with sexual function, orgasm, lubrication, and clitoral sensation. The results of the study showed that although mean scores on questions related to lubrication, orgasm and clitoral sensation improved by 23.2%, 7.4% and 31.3% respectively and that 21% of the women acknowledged that the treatment improved sexual function, only 6 of 33 patients actually had significant therapeutic response.
In conclusion, although there were improvements in lubrication and sensitivity to vaginal stimulation, Sildenafil did not improve overall sexual function significantly.
At present therefore, Sildenafil has not been proven to have significant effects on women as it has on men but with continued research and an advancing technology, oral medication just might be available to address female sexual disorders.
WidgetBucks - Trend Watch - WidgetBucks.com
