Should women use sildenafil to reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s disease? Elizabeth Tracey reports

This study revealed no significant differences between both groups regarding their baseline sexual desire or orgasm (Table 2).

On the same side, the study carried by Omidi et al. [13] in Iran compared the two groups in terms of primary mean scores of sexual function, sexual satisfaction, and marital satisfaction showed similarities in terms of factors and prevalence of disorders at the beginning of the study. In the treatment arm of the present study, there was improvement in sexual dysfunction particularly in sexual desire, maintenance of lubrication, orgasm and satisfaction. Regarding the desire, the obvious change was in patients with no desire weekly pretreatment to improve from zero to 61.5% post-treatment. The orgasm differences in women who achieved orgasm less than half the time were 38.5% versus 84.6% pre- and post-treatment respectively (Table 2). Indeed these results were opposite to the study of Dasgupta et al. [14] which included 19 women completed the 2 arms of the double-blind phase and 12 completed the optional open label extension phase. Statistically significant improvement following sildenafil was only reported in the lubrication domain of sexual function during the double-blind phase. There was no overall change in quality of life after sildenafil. [15] found that efficacy was shown on only one sexual function measure and only in a small subsample of women who had no associated hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and had sufficient estradiol and free testosterone concentration or were receiving estrogen and/ or androgen replacement therapy. Proposed reasons for the unconvincing efficacy of sildenafil in women have included failure to adequately characterize the study populations, differences in the physiologic response to sildenafil in men and women, and the mechanism of action of the drug needing to be central and not peripheral. It is also possible that lack of concordance between physiological and subjective aspects of women’s sexual experiences need to be further investigated [16]. This study revealed no significant association between both groups in comparison of post treatment regarding sexual dysfunction assessment except in orgasm less than half times, which become (84.6%) versus (30.8%) in sildenafil group and placebo group respectively. These results can be supported by the study of Leddy et al. [17]; 13 of 19 (68%) subjects achieved a ≥50% increase in clitoral engorgement from baseline when administered sildenafil or placebo 30 minutes after dose administration.

Are there other uses for this medicine?

London and New York rout ledge (2): 199-288. Jaafapour M, Khani A, Khajavikhan J, Suhrabi Z (2013) Female sexual dysfunction, prevalence and risk factor and Journal of clinical and diagnostic research 7(12): 2877-2880. (2006) Sildenafil improve sexual functioning in premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes who are affected by sexual arousal disorder. (2003) Safety and efficacy of sildenafil citrate for the treatment of female sexual arousal disorder. Journal of Urology 170(6): 2333-2338.

Drug information

(2000) The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): a multidimensional self-report instrument for the assessment of female sexual function. (2014) Prevalence Survey of Sexual Dysfunction among Women in the Reproductive Age. (2007) Female sexual dysfunction in Lower Egypt. El Gelany S, Moussa O (2013) Reproductive health awareness among educated young women in Egypt. Spector IP, Carey MP and Steinberg L (1996) The sexual desire inventory: Development factor, structure, and evidence of reliability.

What should I know about storage and disposal of sildenafil?

(2011) Sexual dysfunction and difficulties in Denemark: Prevelance and associated socio-demographic factors. Arch sex behave 40(1): 121-132. Abdallah I Y, AbdelrahmanSh (2014) female sexual dysfunction in relation to the age of marriage .thesis submitted for fulfillment of master degree in dermatology and Andrology in Banha city, Banha University, Egypt. Omidi A, Ahmedvand A, Najarzadan MR, Mehrzad F (2016) Compairing the effect of treatment with sildenafil and cognitive-behavioral therapy on treatment of sexual dysfunctioninwomen: arandomized controlled clinical trials. Chivers MI, Rosen RC (2010) Phosphodiesterase type 5 and female sexual response. At 60 minutes after administration, 17/19 (89%) subjects receiving sildenafil and 16/19 (84%) subjects receiving placebo had responded (P value 0.3). [16] used self-reported measures of sexual function which showed mixed results whereas studies examining physiological effects of PDE5i on genital vasocongestion consistently report significant effects on genital sexual response. The improvnent in FSFI in-group A may be related to increase in androgen level as there might be a positive correlation between sildenafil intake and increase testosterone blood level [18]. Also it increases the pelvic blood flow which may give more improvement in lubrication and decrease pain during sexual act and increase overall sexual satisfaction. [19] stated that sildenafil citrate only acts on the physical phenomena of arousal and does not completely respond to the complexity of female sexual arousal disorders (FSADs).

In fact, encouraging results were achieved in specific groups of patients affected by secondary FSADs (e.g., diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, chronic antidepressant users) in which the genital arousal disorder is clearly connected with a neurological or vascular injury. [20] reported only lubrication changes in vaginal and clitoral sensitivity in patients treated with sildenafil. When examining the effects of sildenafil on female sexual dysfunction, it was found that sildenafil may increase congestion of the vagina, but it has no effect on excitement. This difference in results can be attributed to the manner and extent of drug administration, assessment of sexual status, and cultural status of the subjects in the study.

OUR PRE-FULFILLMENT PRESCRIPTION PERIOD HAS BEGUN.

[17]; 13 of 19 (68%) subjects achieved a ≥50% increase in clitoral engorgement from baseline when administered sildenafil or placebo 30 minutes after dose administration. At 60 minutes after administration, 17/19 (89%) subjects receiving sildenafil and 16/19 (84%) subjects receiving placebo had responded (P value 0.3). [16] used self-reported measures of sexual function which showed mixed results whereas studies examining physiological effects of PDE5i on genital vasocongestion consistently report significant effects on genital sexual response. The improvnent in FSFI in-group A may be related to increase in androgen level as there might be a positive correlation between sildenafil intake and increase testosterone blood level [18]. Also it increases the pelvic blood flow which may give more improvement in lubrication and decrease pain during sexual act and increase overall sexual satisfaction.

What is FSAD?

[19] stated that sildenafil citrate only acts on the physical phenomena of arousal and does not completely respond to the complexity of female sexual arousal disorders (FSADs). In fact, encouraging results were achieved in specific groups of patients affected by secondary FSADs (e.g., diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, chronic antidepressant users) in which the genital arousal disorder is clearly connected with a neurological or vascular injury. [20] reported only lubrication changes in vaginal and clitoral sensitivity in patients treated with sildenafil. When examining the effects of sildenafil on female sexual dysfunction, it was found that sildenafil may increase congestion of the vagina, but it has no effect on excitement. This difference in results can be attributed to the manner and extent of drug administration, assessment of sexual status, and cultural status of the subjects in the study.

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Moreover, in most studies, the sample size has been very small, which makes their validity questionable. The limitation of this study is that it was conducted on only Egyptian patients, so further well-designed studies are needed to see if the same conclusions apply to other races. On the other hand, points of strength include among others, the good sample size and the prospective randomized double-blinded study design. Sildenafil citrate seems to improve orgasm in a sample of Egyptian females with sexual dysfunction. Desilva P (1995) Sexual dysfunction in S.J.E Lindsay over the counter drugs containing sildenafil and G.E.Powell, The hand book of lineal and adult psychology. Moreover, in most studies, the sample size has been very small, which makes their validity questionable. The limitation of this study is that it was conducted on only Egyptian patients, so further well-designed studies are needed to see if the same conclusions apply to other races. On the other hand, points of strength include among others, the good sample size and the prospective randomized double-blinded study design. Sildenafil citrate seems to improve orgasm in a sample of Egyptian females with sexual dysfunction. Desilva P (1995) Sexual dysfunction in S.J.E Lindsay over the counter drugs containing sildenafil and G.E.Powell, The hand book of lineal and adult psychology.

• Some women seek sildenafil for increasing genital blood flow and sensation.
• The placebo effect can influence perceived benefits in women using sildenafil.
• Women with cardiovascular risk should avoid sildenafil unless approved by a doctor.
• Topical or alternative therapies might be considered alongside or instead of sildenafil.
• Scientific consensus on sildenafil’s safety for women remains under development.
• Proper dosing and medical oversight are key to minimizing risks.

London and New York rout ledge (2): 199-288. Jaafapour M, Khani A, Khajavikhan J, Suhrabi Z (2013) Female sexual dysfunction, prevalence and risk factor and Journal of clinical and diagnostic research 7(12): 2877-2880.

(2006) Sildenafil improve sexual functioning in premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes who are affected by sexual arousal disorder.

Detection in biological fluids

SC has recently been demonstrated not to alter the contractile response to vasoconstrictors or to endothelial dependent vasodilators. In non-pregnant females, SC causes uterine artery vasodilation therefore it also be employed to treat menstrual pain and muscle spasms [7]. SC is increasingly used in the pregnant patient for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension [8]. Its safety and efficacy combined with its lack of teratogenic or feto-toxic effects mean that its use for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy is likely to increase [9]. The most common adverse effects of sildenafil citrate use include: headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and impaired vision, including photophobia and blurred vision. (2003) Safety and efficacy of sildenafil citrate for the treatment of female sexual arousal disorder. Journal of Urology 170(6): 2333-2338.

(2000) The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): a multidimensional self-report instrument for the assessment of female sexual function. (2014) Prevalence Survey of Sexual Dysfunction among Women in the Reproductive Age. (2007) Female sexual dysfunction in Lower Egypt. El Gelany S, Moussa O (2013) Reproductive health awareness among educated young women in Egypt. Spector IP, Carey MP and Steinberg L (1996) The sexual desire inventory: Development factor, structure, and evidence of reliability. (2011) Sexual dysfunction and difficulties in Denemark: Prevelance and associated socio-demographic factors. Arch sex behave 40(1): 121-132. Abdallah I Y, AbdelrahmanSh (2014) female sexual dysfunction in relation to the age of marriage .thesis submitted for fulfillment of master degree in dermatology and Andrology in Banha city, Banha University, Egypt. Omidi A, Ahmedvand A, Najarzadan MR, Mehrzad F (2016) Compairing the effect of treatment with sildenafil and cognitive-behavioral therapy on treatment of sexual dysfunctioninwomen: arandomized controlled clinical trials. Chivers MI, Rosen RC (2010) Phosphodiesterase type 5 and female sexual response. J Sex Med 7(2): 858-872. Leddy LS, Yang CC, Stuckey BG, Sudworth M, Haughie S, et al. (2012) Influence of sildenafil on genital engorgement in women with female sexual arousal disorder.

• Sildenafil is often known by the brand name Viagra, primarily for men.
• Researchers are exploring other PDE5 inhibitors for women’s sexual health.
• Efficacy of sildenafil in women might depend on underlying health conditions.
• Women with cardiovascular issues should be particularly cautious with sildenafil.
• Some women report increased sexual satisfaction after using sildenafil.
• Medical advice is crucial before women consider sildenafil as a treatment.

Sildenafil increases serum testosterone levels by a direct action on the testes. Lo Monte G, Graziano A, Piva I, Marci R (2014) Women taking the blue pill (sildenafil citrate) such big deal. (1999) Safety and efficacy of sildenafil in postmenopausal women with female sexual dysfunction. Email Us: info@lupinepublishers.com Call Us: +1 (914) 407-6109 57 West 57th Street, 3rd floor, New York - NY 10019, USA Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tanta University, Egypt Received: October 03, 2018; Published: October 09, 2018 Corresponding author: Mohamed Nabih EL-Gharib, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt Sildenafil citrate (SC) is a medicinal drug used to treat male erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. Sildenafil is a selective and potent competitive inhibitor of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) -specific phosphodiesterase-type 5 (PDE-5) enzymes, which, by preventing the breakdown of cGMP, potentiate the action of NO in tissues that contain PDE-5. Thus, increasing vasodilatation and potentiating the effects of nitrous oxide (NO) on the vascular smooth muscle [1-2]. SC increases uterine blood flow and potentiates estrogen-induced vasodilatation [3].

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J Sex Med 7(2): 858-872. Leddy LS, Yang CC, Stuckey BG, Sudworth M, Haughie S, et al. (2012) Influence of sildenafil on genital engorgement in women with female sexual arousal disorder. Sildenafil increases serum testosterone levels by a direct action on the testes. Lo Monte G, Graziano A, Piva I, Marci R (2014) Women taking the blue pill (sildenafil citrate) such big deal.

Study design:

(1999) Safety and efficacy of sildenafil in postmenopausal women with female sexual dysfunction. Email Us: info@lupinepublishers.com Call Us: +1 (914) 407-6109 57 West 57th Street, 3rd floor, New York - NY 10019, USA Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tanta University, Egypt Received: October 03, 2018; Published: October 09, 2018 Corresponding author: Mohamed Nabih EL-Gharib, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt Sildenafil citrate (SC) is a medicinal drug used to treat male erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. Sildenafil is a selective and potent competitive inhibitor of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) -specific phosphodiesterase-type 5 (PDE-5) enzymes, which, by preventing the breakdown of cGMP, potentiate the action of NO in tissues that contain PDE-5. Thus, increasing vasodilatation and potentiating the effects of nitrous oxide (NO) on the vascular smooth muscle [1-2]. SC increases uterine blood flow and potentiates estrogen-induced vasodilatation [3].

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Sildenafil citrate is metabolized is in the liver by cytochrome P450, the metabolites are: N-desmethylsildenafil (about 50% potency for PDE5). The biological half-life is from 3 to 4 hours, it is excreted in feces and in urine [4]. Sildenafil is developing as a potential applicant for the treatment of intrauterine growth retardation and for premature labor [5]. Sildenafil has also been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy to maintain placental function in pre-eclampsia [6]. Should sildenafil citrate possess vasodilatory effects in the feto-placental circulation, this would significantly enhance its therapeutic use in treating placental insufficiency. Sildenafil citrate is metabolized is in the liver by cytochrome P450, the metabolites are: N-desmethylsildenafil (about 50% potency for PDE5). The biological half-life is from 3 to 4 hours, it is excreted in feces and in urine [4]. Sildenafil is developing as a potential applicant for the treatment of intrauterine growth retardation and for premature labor [5]. Sildenafil has also been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy to maintain placental function in pre-eclampsia [6]. Should sildenafil citrate possess vasodilatory effects in the feto-placental circulation, this would significantly enhance its therapeutic use in treating placental insufficiency. SC has recently been demonstrated not to alter the contractile response to vasoconstrictors or to endothelial dependent vasodilators. In non-pregnant females, SC causes uterine artery vasodilation therefore it also be employed to treat menstrual pain and muscle spasms [7]. SC is increasingly used in the pregnant patient for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension [8]. Its safety and efficacy combined with its lack of teratogenic or feto-toxic effects mean that its use for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy is likely to increase [9].

Interested, but not quite ready?

This study revealed no significant differences between both groups regarding their baseline sexual desire or orgasm (Table 2). On the same side, the study carried by Omidi et al. [13] in Iran compared the two groups in terms of primary mean scores of sexual function, sexual satisfaction, and marital satisfaction showed similarities in terms of factors and prevalence of disorders at the beginning of the study. In the treatment arm of the present study, there was improvement in sexual dysfunction particularly in sexual desire, maintenance of lubrication, orgasm and satisfaction. Regarding the desire, the obvious change was in patients with no desire weekly pretreatment to improve from zero to 61.5% post-treatment.

Side effects

The orgasm differences in women who achieved orgasm less than half the time were 38.5% versus 84.6% pre- and post-treatment respectively (Table 2). Indeed these results were opposite to the study of Dasgupta et al. [14] which included 19 women completed the 2 arms of the double-blind phase and 12 completed the optional open label extension phase. Statistically significant improvement following sildenafil was only reported in the lubrication domain of sexual function during the double-blind phase. There was no overall change in quality of life after sildenafil.

Cite this article

[15] found that efficacy was shown on only one sexual function measure and only in a small subsample of women who had no associated hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and had sufficient estradiol and free testosterone concentration or were receiving estrogen and/ or androgen replacement therapy. Proposed reasons for the unconvincing efficacy of sildenafil in women have included failure to adequately characterize the study populations, differences in the physiologic response to sildenafil in men and women, and the mechanism of action of the drug needing to be central and not peripheral. It is also possible that lack of concordance between physiological and subjective aspects of women’s sexual experiences need to be further investigated [16]. This study revealed no significant association between both groups in comparison of post treatment regarding sexual dysfunction assessment except in orgasm less than half times, which become (84.6%) versus (30.8%) in sildenafil group and placebo group respectively. These results can be supported by the study of Leddy et al. The most common adverse effects of sildenafil citrate use include: headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and impaired vision, including photophobia and blurred vision. In July 2005, the FDA found that sildenafil could lead to vision impairment in rare cases [and several studies have linked sildenafil use with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy [10]. The FDA announced that all PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, required a more prominent warning of the potential risk of sudden hearing loss [11].

What other information should I know?

In July 2005, the FDA found that sildenafil could lead to vision impairment in rare cases [and several studies have linked sildenafil use with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy [10]. The FDA announced that all PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, required a more prominent warning of the potential risk of sudden hearing loss [11]. Vaginal sildenafil might be an interesting therapeutic option before conception in women with histories of reproductive failure [12]. In addition, intravaginal sildenafil citrate tablets used as suppositories might be a new, interesting, safe antiabortive option in the treatment of threatened miscarriage in patients with a history of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. Vaginal sildenafil might be an interesting therapeutic option before conception in women with histories of reproductive failure [12]. In addition, intravaginal sildenafil citrate tablets used as suppositories might be a new, interesting, safe antiabortive option in the treatment of threatened miscarriage in patients with a history of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion.