By using a novel prototype drug, researchers have discovered more about the mechanisms underlying female sexual arousal. These findings were published in the British Journal of Pharmacology.

A team of researchers based at Pfizer's labs in Sandwich, Kent, found that electrically stimulating the pelvic nerve increases blood flow to the genitalia, and that this effect was enhanced if they also gave a prototype drug (UK-414,495). They believe that the drug acts by blocking the breakdown of an internal chemical messenger that plays a key role in increasing blood flow during sexual arousal.¹

When women become aroused, blood flow increases to the vagina, labia and clitoris. This causes the organs to swell, and the vagina to relax, as well as increasing vaginal lubrication and the sensitivity of the genitalia.

Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is divided into four categories: those with a lack of sex drive, those who have difficulty in achieving orgasm, those who experience pain during sexual stimulation and those who experience difficulty in becoming aroused or remaining aroused during sexual stimulation (Female Sexual Arousal Disorder). FSAD affects nearly 40% of women irrespective of age.² These women find that their genital organs do not respond to sexual stimulation, they find arousal difficult and this causes them to become distressed.

"Before this work, we knew surprisingly little about the processes that control all of these changes," says the lead researcher in the project Chris Wayman. "Now we are beginning to establish the pathways involved in sexual arousal scientists may be able to find ways of helping women who would like to overcome FSAD."

This is early stage research involving experimental studies using an animal model of sexual arousal. In it researchers stimulated the pelvic nerve and measured changes in genital organs. They believed the genital arousal occurred because stimulation of the nerve triggered the release of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a well-known neurotransmitter. VIP has only a short-lived effect, because it is soon broken down by an enzyme called Neutral Endopeptidase (NEP). The researchers believe that their prototype drug increased the arousal because it blocked NEP's ability to break down VIP, therefore letting the VIP have a more powerful and prolonged effect increasing arousal.

The results look all the more exciting because, while the drug did increase the level of sexual arousal, it didn't affect arousal in the absence of stimulation or the rest of the body's cardiovascular system. This suggests that this sort of drug would have a good chance of being safe to use in women, and would only work when combined with sexual stimulation.

"While the particular chemical compound studied in this research did not prove appropriate for further development, the implications of the research could lead to the development of a product in future, although Pfizer has no current plans to develop medicines for FSAD," added Wayman.

About Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD)

Female sexuality involves a complex array of factors encompassing the emotional, the psychosocial and the physical – which in turn involves neurologic, vascular and endocrine systems. A disruption to any of these can result in Female Sexual Dysfunction.

FSD can be caused by physical or psychological problems, social issues and hormone imbalances. Arthritis, fatigue, headaches, multiple sclerosis and urinary and bowel problems can all lead to FSD.

Medication including antidepressants, blood pressure medications, antihistamines and chemotherapy can exacerbate it.

Psychological causes include poor body image, relationship problems, stress and depression. Oestrogen and testosterone deficiency, which may occur after menopause or hysterectomy, can cause changes to the genitals that reduce sensitivity and cause pain. In these cases, the vaginal lining may become thin and have difficulty becoming lubricated. Low levels of these hormones may also diminish sexual desire.

Current Treatments for Female Sexual Dysfunction

Treatment depends on the cause and may include;

• Hormone Replacement Therapy: oestrogen or testosterone levels may be restored.

• Physical Therapy: Kegel exercises strengthen the vaginal muscles. Exercises and vaginal dilators can be used to treat vaginismus

• Psychotherapy: Social or psychological issues contributing to the dysfunction are addressed. The doctor may also recommend sexual education and relaxation techniques.

• Emerging treatments: Tibolone is a drug currently used in Europe and Australia for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. In a small study, women taking the drug experienced an increase in vaginal lubrication, arousal and sexual desire. But Tibolone hasn't yet received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for use in the U.S.³

• Lifestyle Measures: Avoid excessive alcohol, stop smoking and start exercising. Cigarette smoking restricts blood flow throughout your body, and less blood reaching your sexual organs means decreased sexual arousal and orgasmic response. Regular aerobic exercise can increase your stamina, improve your body image and elevate your mood, helping you feel more romantic, more often.

___________________________________________________________________________

References:

1)    Wiley-Blackwell (2010, April 13). Towards treating female sexual dysfunction: Research reveals secrets of female sexual arousal

2)    Sexual Dysfunction in the United States  Edward O. Laumann, PhD; Anthony Paik, MA; Raymond C. Rosen, PhD  JAMA. 1999;281:537-544. http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/jama%3B281/6/537

3)    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/female-sexual-dysfunction/DS00701/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

___________________________________________________________________________

Related Articles

More From FamilyHealthGuide

12 Bizarre Health Fads that never made it. When it comes to our health, we're often ready to try almost any new potion that even a complete stranger suggests. Often many of these quick-fixes turn out to be baseless, and the so-called cures have only a placebo effect. . ... read more

10 Hangover Myths Debunked: Almost everyone you know seems to have a sure fire theory about how to have a big night out and still avoid the dreaded hangover. Some just don't add up while others can leave you feeling even worse. ...read more

Can Meditation Switch on Gene's that Fight Disease: Researchers at the Harvard Medical School have found that deep relaxation seems to switch off 'disease causing' genes, while switching on genes that actively protect us from disororders such as... read more

Leave Comments