Topical alprostadil in the treatment of Female Sexual Arousal Disorder: a pilot study

J Sex Marital Ther. 2001 Oct-Dec;27(5):531-40. doi: 10.1080/713846804.

Abstract

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of three doses of topical alprostadil USP (prostaglandin E1) cream in 8 patients with Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD). Each patient was administered a single intravaginal dose of placebo followed by escalating intravaginal doses of the active drug at 2-week intervals. Alprostadil's effectiveness in enhancing subjective and physiological arousal during visual sexual stimulation was supported by patient ratings and physician assessments of vaginal erythema and transudate volume. Photoplethysmography measurement of vaginal pulse amplitude was not able to demonstrate treatment sensitivity in the present study. Adverse events included mild cases of vaginal itching and burning. The data support further investigation of the use of alprostadil for FSAD.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Alprostadil / administration & dosage
  • Alprostadil / pharmacology
  • Alprostadil / therapeutic use*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / diagnosis
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / drug therapy*
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vagina / drug effects
  • Vasodilator Agents / administration & dosage
  • Vasodilator Agents / pharmacology
  • Vasodilator Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Alprostadil