ORLANDO - May 25, 2002 - A device that uses vacuum pressure to increase blood flow to the clitoris and vagina was successful in addressing arousal aspects of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), according to a new study conducted by Kevin L. Billups, M.D., urologist in practice at the EpiCenter for Sexual Health & Medicine in St. Paul, MN. His findings will be presented at the American Urological Association Annual Scientific Meeting on May 28 during a poster session beginning at 1 p.m.
The test group consisted of 13 diabetic women. This condition typically causes sexual dysfunction in both men and women due to decreased blood flow. Use of the EROS Therapy, produced by UroMetrics Inc, in St. Paul, MN, both immediately prior to intercourse and at intervals not followed by intercourse, led to greater sensation and increased sexual satisfaction in 85 percent of the patients both one month and three months following treatment.
In addition, after three months of treatment, 92 percent of the patients reported increased genital lubrication and 62 percent reported an increased ability to achieve orgasm. No side effects of the EROS device were noted.
Women were instructed to use the device at least four times per week and at least two times per week prior to attempting intercourse. All women had normal testosterone and estradiol levels. The Female Intervention Efficacy Index (FIEI), a validated questionnaire that subjectively measures changes in sensation, lubrication, orgasm and sexual satisfaction, was used to assess outcome efficacy after one and three months of the therapy.
"We are now beginning to address female sexual dysfunction from the perspective that some aspects of FSD are likely caused in part by decreased blood flow to the clitoris or vagina. Poor genital blood flow is believed to contribute to female arousal or orgasm disorders similar to the role of vascular disease in male erectile dysfunction," Billups said. "This current study also has implications for non-diabetic women with sexual dysfunction as well."
