Female sexual dysfunction that causes distress for our patients is not uncommon. It is a source of frustration for our patients and for us as providers. For now, in the absence of a “little pink pill,” we can offer:
- techniques to eliminate pain such as topical estrogen for atrophy and physical therapy and biofeedback for secondary vaginismus
- adjustment of medications that may thwart sexual desire, arousal, or orgasm, such as SSRIs and antihypertensive regimens
- counseling and psychotherapy to help focus the relationship back to intimacy and sexuality. Remember that just enrolling in the clinical trials I described and paying attention to sexuality increased measures of female sexual function by as much as 30%
- encouragement about a healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise, which increases blood flow to the genitalia—as does discontinuation of smoking. Sildenafil may have a role in managing SSRI-induced or vascular disease–related genital arousal disorder.2
Stay tuned
Despite recent disappointments in pharmacotherapy, our awareness about and knowledge of female sexual dysfunction continues to grow. Safe and effective treatments for HSDD and the other conditions affecting women’s sexual function are in the pipeline.
We want to hear from you! Tell us what you think.