Gauging the Efficacy of Pharmacologic Agents for Female Sexual Dysfunction

A meta-analysis finds that much of the benefit seen in trials may represent a placebo effect.

Clinical trials of pharmacologic agents to treat female sexual dysfunction (FSD), which encompasses hypoactive sexual desire, arousal, orgasmic, and sexual pain disorders, have often observed a substantial placebo effect. To assess the extent of this effect, investigators conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials that used the Female Sexual Function Index (FSI; scored from 0 to 36, with scores below 26.6 indicating dysfunction) as an outcome. The placebo effect on the FSI was compared with each study's treatment effect.

Eight eligible trials included 3,959 women who received placebo or one of the following agents: flibanserin, bupropion, onabotulinum toxin A, intravaginal prasterone, intranasal oxytocin…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Gauging the Efficacy of Pharmacologic Agents for Female Sexual Dysfunction

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Reviewing Author