Effect of sildenafil on clitoral blood flow and sexual response in postmenopausal women with orgasmic dysfunction

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2008 Aug;102(2):115-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2008.03.020. Epub 2008 Jun 26.

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the effects of sildenafil citrate on clitoral blood flow and sexual response in postmenopausal women with orgasmic dysfunction.

Method: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial 22 women received a 50-mg dose of sildenafil (n=11) or placebo (n=11) daily for 15 days. The Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) was used for subjective evaluation of the sexual-response cycle. Clitoral blood flow was measured by color and pulse Doppler at baseline, after 1 hour of taking the first dose, and after 15 days of treatment.

Results: Blood flow was significantly more improved in the sildenafil than in the placebo group (P<0.05), and a positive correlation between Doppler values and GRISS scores was noted in the sildenafil group after only 15 days of treatment.

Conclusion: Sildenafil may improve clitoral blood flow and increase the GRISS scores in postmenopausal women with orgasmic dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Blood Flow Velocity
  • Clitoris / blood supply
  • Clitoris / diagnostic imaging
  • Clitoris / drug effects*
  • Clitoris / physiology*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Piperazines / pharmacology*
  • Postmenopause
  • Purines / pharmacology
  • Regional Blood Flow / drug effects
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / physiopathology*
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / physiopathology*
  • Sildenafil Citrate
  • Sulfones / pharmacology*
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Pulsed
  • Vasodilator Agents / pharmacology*

Substances

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