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the future of treatment for female sexual dysfunction

by Chris Steidle, MD

The future of female sexual dysfunction is extremely exciting. Perhaps the most exciting part is that it is just now coming of age. No longer will female sexual problems be considered psychiatric in origin and remain unaddressed. As clinicians, we have finally realized that these problems usually have an organic basis and are not all in a patient’s head.

Women who complain of sexual problems will now undergo a careful history and physical examination and may undergo various noninvasive tests that will pinpoint the exact diagnosis. Following an accurate diagnosis we will either begin hormonal supplementation, which can dramatically improve her sexual functioning. Hormone supplements may also improve a whole host of other conditions in her body including her bone mineral density to prevent osteoporosis, her cardiovascular functioning, and possibly reverse the aging process.

For women who are diagnosed with an arousal problem and who have had breast cancer, we will be able to use medications that are not dissimilar to Viagra to dramatically improve the quality of intercourse and perhaps even stimulate a return or the initiation of orgasms. In the future, many medical professionals will be able to treat female sexual dysfunction by understanding what is going on and what the diagnosis means.

Additionally, once we have an accurate diagnosis we will be able to choose from a host of medications specific to the patient’s individual needs. These medications will include creams or suppositories that can be applied to the vagina for use on demand, pills such as Viagra to be taken on demand, or even a pill taken daily to improve blood flow to the vagina and restore normal tone. There will even be medications to enhance libido. The future of female sexual dysfunction is very exciting and I know that I am very glad to be a part of it.

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Posted January 2000
Last Updated July 2008

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