Options for Treating Female Sexual Dysfunction

With more and more women reporting some form of sexual dysfunction, doctors and scientists are constantly attempting to discover new treatments to combat this problem. Numerous medications and devices are being studied with many of them still in the experimental stage. Several of these will be briefly written about here. This article is offered for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for specific medical advice.

Perhaps one of the most controversial of treatment options involves the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Proponents of this praise the results of using estrogen and progestin to combat the side effects of menopause such as vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. Recent studies, however, have shown that HRT may pose more of a risk to women than previously believed. Scientists claim that estrogen-progestin may increase the risk of breast cancer by fifty-three percent. While many counter such a statistic by stating estrogen's advantages in reducing osteoporosis and preventing heart disease, it is now being shown that HRT may provide no benefits to both women with existing heart disease and heart-healthy women. Talk to your doctor and do your research for more information on this controversial treatment.

For a while, the female Viagra was being hailed as the very promising drug to combat female sexual dysfunction. Unfortunately, in a comprehensive trial studying women with a large range of symptoms, the pill acted no better than a placebo. Drug manufacturers, however, will continue their research and development into a Viagra-equivalent for women.

Several creams are being studied to help women with sexual dysfunction. A prostaglandin E-1 cream and Alprostadil cream are two that are still in clinical trials. The first attempts to increase blood flow to the genitals while the second is supposed to improve arousal and lubrication. Another cream currently being sold allegedly increases both blood flow to the genitals as well as arousal.

Testosterone therapy has been in the media a lot lately. Doctors have been experimenting with this treatment option in both the oral form and through a patch. As with many of these options, it doesn't come without its share of risks including liver damage and an increased risk of heart disease. Scientists are still studying just what role testosterone plays in the sex drives of both men and women.

Not all of the treatments involve the use of hormones or drugs however. The FDA recently approved the use of a device (available only by prescription) which, by creating suction over the clitoris, increases blood flow and heightened sensation in this organ. Certain herbs and other natural aids are also offered as suggestions to increase arousal or awaken libido.