Nov 16, 2009 8:16 pm US/Eastern
HealthWatch: Study Testing 'Viagra For Women'
Anti-Depressant Shows Promise Treating Women For Sexual Dysfunction
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Millions of women suffer from low libido, which can take a huge toll on relationships and self-esteem.
Now, however, a promising new drug could change all that, a drug some are even referring to as "Viagra for women."
New research shows that a medication called flibanserin could have a new purpose. Originally created as an anti-depressant, it has now been shown to increase sex drive in women with low libido, also called female sexual dysfunction.
"Sexual dysfunction in women is a huge problem," Dr. Jacques Moritz, of St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, says. "All the attention had been on men, but actually women complain about it much, much more than men do."
Research shows that up to 26 percent of women in the United States suffer from low sex drive, and those numbers may be even higher for women after menopause.
Four clinical trials looked at 1,946 pre-menopausal women with low libido and female sexual dysfunction. When given a 100 mg dose of flibanserin, they reported increased sexual desire and satisfaction.
Men have several different medication options on the market for sexual dysfunction already, but usually the cause is different – it has to do with blood flow.
Low libido in women is more complicated and can be emotional as well as physical.
Dr. Moritz, an OB-GYN, says it may also be the side effect of a common medication – the birth control pill.
"When you take the birth control pill, it decreases your testosterone, which is the hormone that's responsible for desire," Dr. Moritz says. "So now you're on the pill to protect you from not getting pregnant, but you don't even feel like having sex."
Side effects of flibaserin include weight gain, dizziness, nausea, and sleep disturbance. Since it's only in investigational trials, it may be years before it comes to market – but experts hope it will one day be a pioneering option for women.
"Hopefully this one will work, will have low side effects, and women can now be treated equal as men," Dr. Moritz says.
Viagra has also been used off-label to treat women experiencing sexual dysfunction, but with only limited success. Doctors have also tried testosterone, but it can raise the risk of cancer for some women.
Hormone creams and natural therapies, like exercise, are currently the most effective and safe options available.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Water Cooler: Today's Big Talkers
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
Comments