A double-blind randomized placebo control study comparing the  objective and subjective changes in female sexual response using sublingual apomorphine.
BACKGROUND
Female sexual dysfunction and its therapeutic approach is a growing area.


OBJECTIVE
We aimed to assess the subjective and objective changes of the female sexual response, in patients with orgasmic sexual dysfunction using 3 mg SL Apomorphine (APO).


METHODS
Twenty-four patients (mean age 32 years old, SD: 9.69) were included in a prospective randomized cross-over protocol. Sexual response was evaluated objectively (duplex ultrasound) and subjectively (self-reported questionnaire) following vibrator stimuli with the addition of 3 mg SL APO or placebo.


METHODS
Sexual response objective (PSV, EDV, RI) and subjective (arousal and lubrication degree and orgasm achievement). Adverse events were also recorded.


RESULTS
Clitoral hemodynamical changes, particularly peak systolic velocity (PSV), were significantly higher with APO (P = 0.003), mean increase of PSV poststimulus was 72.50% with placebo (from 9.7 cm/second to 17.0 cm/second) and 139.14% with APO (from 9.7 cm/second to 21.4 cm/second). SUBJECTIVE CHANGES (AROUSAL AND LUBRICATION) WERE ALSO SIGNIFICATIVE WITH APO (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
According to our observations, APO seemed to produce more subjective and objective changes in the sexual arousal phase of women with orgasmic sexual dysfunction than placebo. Future research is needed to evaluate the place of this drug in the treatment of the female sexual dysfunction.
Bechara
Amado
A
Sexual Dysfunction Section, Department of Urology, Hospital Durand and Instiuto Médico Espcializado, IME, Buenos Aires, Argentina. ime@fibertel.com.ar
Bertolino
Maria Victoria
MV
Casabé
Adolfo
A
Fredotovich
Norberto
N
D000286:Administration, Sublingual; D000328:Adult; D001058:Apomorphine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009948:Orgasm / Q000187:drug effects; D010919:Placebos; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018491:Dopamine Agonists; D010919:Placebos; D001058:Apomorphine