Pharmacotherapy for Sexual Dysfunction in Women.
Lee. Jeong Hoo JH; Lee. Jenny E JE; Harsh. Veronica V; Clayton. Anita H AH
Key Findings
- Bremelanotide (pt‑141) is effective for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women
- New global position statement clarifies safe use of testosterone therapy for low libido
- Vaginal estrogen is confirmed safe and effective for genitourinary syndrome of menopause
- Removal of the flibanserin REMS program eases access to that drug
- Emerging technologies aim to boost brain delivery and bioavailability of sexual‑health drugs
Practical Outcomes
- If you’re experimenting with sexual‑health optimization, low‑dose bremelanotide (often a nasal spray) can be tried for low desire, watching for side effects like nausea. Testosterone patches or gels may be added under medical guidance for libido support. Vaginal estrogen creams or tablets are a practical option for menopausal dryness and pain. Keep an eye on new delivery tech that could make these compounds work better with lower doses.
Summary
This review talks about medicines that can help women with low sexual desire, trouble getting aroused, or painful sex. It highlights that the peptide bremelanotide (pt‑141) works well for low desire, that new guidelines make testosterone use clearer, and that vaginal estrogen is safe for menopause‑related issues. It also notes that the way disorders are classified may affect treatment access, and that newer delivery methods could improve how these drugs work in the brain.
Abstract
This review article discusses the controversy in the DSM-5 conceptualization and diagnostic criteria for female sexual dysfunction (FSD). An overview of recent studies on available treatments for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), and genitopelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPD) is provided. Include delineation of the process of care for pre- and postmenopausal women with HSDD; release of global position statement on testosterone therapy in women; updates on efficacy and safety of vaginal estrogen for genitourinary syndrome of menopause and bremelanotide for HSDD; removal of flibanserin alcohol REMS; and development of new technology to enhance bioavailability and brain delivery of treatments. The DSM-5 revision combining HSDD and FSAD into one diagnostic category is a less accurate characterization of these separate disorders and may hinder access to demonstrated effective treatments for the women with these conditions. There are a wide range of pharmacological, other physiological, and psychological treatment options available for women with FSD, which can be offered based on their specific symptoms, potential benefits/risks, and preferences.
Study Information
pubmed
2022
2022-02-01T00:00:00.000Z
10.1007/s11920-022-01322-7
5
89