Use of sildenafil for female sexual dysfunction.
OBJECTIVE
To review the pathophysiology of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and the literature regarding the use of sildenafil in its treatment.


METHODS
Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966-April 2006), Iowa Drug Information Service (1966-April 2006), EMBASE (1966-April 2006), and bibliographies of pertinent articles. Search terms included female sexual dysfunction; sexual dysfunction, psychological; phosphodiesterase inhibitors; and sildenafil.


RESULTS
The lack of a clear understanding of FSD contributes to the limited treatment options available. Studies regarding the safety and efficacy of the phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor sildenafil in the management of FSD were evaluated. Many trials have been of poor quality, making clinical application of their results difficult. The current literature does not show sildenafil to be an effective treatment option for FSD.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of FSD should include both physical and psychological components. Based on the limited data available, it appears that sildenafil, while well tolerated, offers little or no benefit to most patients with FSD.
Shields
Kelly M
KM
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Raabe College of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH 45810-1078, USA. k-shields@onu.edu
Hrometz
Sandra L
SL
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011687:Purines; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000188:drug therapy*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones
D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate