Sildenafil improves sexual functioning in premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes who are affected by sexual arousal disorder: a double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled pilot study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To verify whether sildenafil is effective in type 1 premenopausal women affected by sexual arousal disorder (SAD).

DESIGN:

Double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study.

SETTING:

Gynecological diabetic outpatient clinic and sexual clinic.

PATIENT(S):

Thirty-six type 1 premenopausal diabetic women affected by SAD.

INTERVENTION(S):

Two 8-week periods of sildenafil 100 mg, washout, and placebo, by two possible sequences.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE(S):

Each woman submitted blood samples to measure HbA(1c), and T, free T (FT), and PRL. Efficacy was assessed [1] subjectively by the Personal Experiences Questionnaire based on the 5-point Likert scale, quantifying arousal, desire, orgasm, enjoyment of sexual activities, and frequency of sexual relationships; and [2] objectively by translabial color Doppler ultrasound to measure the resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), peak systolic velocity (PSV), and end diastolic velocity of clitoral arteries.

RESULT(S):

Thirty-two women completed the study. The mean HbA(1c) value was 8.0% +/- 1.8%, and plasma concentrations of T, FT, and PRL were normal. Sildenafil seems to improve arousal, orgasm and sexual enjoyment, and dyspareunia in women affected by type 1 diabetes. However, by flowmetric measurements, the mean RI was significantly lower and both the mean PI and PSV of the clitoral arteries were significantly higher compared with baseline and placebo.

CONCLUSION(S):

Sildenafil seems to improve subjective sexual aspects and can be used to treat objectively genital arousal disorder of premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes.

• Authors: Salvatore Caruso, Salvatore Rugolo, Carmela Agnello, Giorgia Intelisano, Lucia Di Mari, Antonio Cianci
• Journal: Fertility and sterility (Fertil Steril) Vol. 85 Issue 5 Pg. 1496-501 (May 2006) ISSN: 1556-5653 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 16579999 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Piperazines
• Purines
• Sulfones
• Vasodilator Agents
• Sildenafil Citrate

Topics

• Adult
• Cross-Over Studies
• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 (complications)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Piperazines (administration & dosage)
• Placebo Effect
• Premenopause (drug effects)
• Purines
• Sexual Behavior (drug effects)
• Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological (complications, drug therapy)
• Sildenafil Citrate
• Sulfones
• Treatment Outcome
• Vasodilator Agents (administration & dosage)