Testosterone patches that are used in some men to help them improve their sexual performance and give them the desired sexual characteristics. Apparently the same patches can be used in women whose ovaries have been surgically removed to increase their sexual desire and activity.
In a study published in Arch Intern Med. this month the authors have looked at 447 women diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) after ovarian surgery. The women were randomly assigned to receive either testosterone patches or a placebo patch for 24 weeks. The testosterone patches had three separate dose of testosterone.Compared to the placebo, the intermediate-dose testosterone patch significantly improved sexual desire and increased the frequency of satisfying sexual activity whereas the lower testosterone dose offered no benefits. The higher dose was found to be no better than the intermediate dose testosterone patch.
There were no serious side effects to the patches. There however remains some anxiety in finding the right dose of testosterone and more research maybe required.
SOURCE: Archives of Internal Medicine, July 25, 2005. Safety and Efficacy of a Testosterone Patch for the Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Surgically Menopausal Women
A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial Glenn D. Braunstein, MD; Dale A. Sundwall, MD; Molly Katz, MD; Jan L. Shifren, MD; John E. Buster, MD; James A. Simon, MD; Gloria Bachman, MD; Oscar A. Aguirre, MD; Johna D. Lucas, MD; Cynthia Rodenberg, PhD; Akshay Buch, PhD; Nelson B. Watts, MD
Further Information on Medindia on Female Sexual Dysfunction
What is female sexual dysfunction?
Female Sexual dysfunction is an age-related, progressive and highly prevalent problem affecting nearly 30-50 percent of women globally. Sexual activity incorporates interpersonal relationships, each partner bringing unique attitudes, needs and responses into the coupling. A breakdown in any of these areas may lead to sexual dysfunction. The American Psychological Association (APA) classifies female sexual problems as
a. Mental disorders - loss of sexual desire or arousal,
b. Discomfort during intercourse,
c. Diminished blood flow to the vagina,
d. Trauma-related aversion to sex,
e. Inability to achieve orgasm.
http://www.medindia.com/patients/
patientinfo/femalesexdysfunction.asp
