title: Women taking the "blue pill" (sildenafil citrate): such a big deal?
abstract: For years, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors have been used for the treatment of erectile dysfunctions. Due to the similarities between male and female sexual response, several studies have assessed the effects of sildenafil citrate (Viagra(®)) in women affected by female sexual arousal disorder. The results are still conflicting and the drug is not devoid of adverse effects. Furthermore, female sexual arousal disorder is a heterogeneous condition whose underlying causes are difficult to diagnose and appropriate treatment requires a thorough sexual, psychological, and medical history along with specialist consultations. The clinician should pursue a global approach to the patient with sexual difficulties, while non-hormonal treatment such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (ie, sildenafil citrate) should be kept as the last option.
authors.affiliation: Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lo Monte
authors.affiliation: Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Graziano
authors.affiliation: Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Isabella
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Piva
authors.affiliation: Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Marci
mesh_terms: D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010879:Piperazines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011687:Purines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013449:Sulfonamides; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate
keywords: female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD); phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors; sildenafil citrate