Many postmenopausal women suffer from sexual dysfunction mostly due to the vulvovaginal
atrophy. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of vaginal
oxytocin gel on sexual function of postmenopausal women. This study was conducted on 96 postmenopausal women with symptoms of vaginal
atrophy and sexual dysfunction who were randomly recruited into two groups of
oxytocin vaginal gel (400 IU, n = 48) or placebo (n = 48). The PH, vaginal maturation index, and sexual function (using Female Sexual Function Index) of the participants were measured at the beginning of the study and eight weeks later. The vaginal maturation index and the PH of the vagina improved in the
oxytocin group compared to those of the placebo. All domains of sexual function including desire, arousal, lubrication,
pain, sexual satisfaction, and total score of sexual function improved significantly in the
oxytocin gel compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). The results of this study showed that the administration of
oxytocin vaginal gel could significantly improve vaginal
atrophy as well as sexual function in postmenopausal women. Therefore, using vaginal
oxytocin gel for sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women who are not interested in
hormone therapy is recommended.