Women with sexual dysfunction respond well to placebo medication

Women experiencing sexual dysfunction in the form of low arousal or desire may notice improvements after taking a placebo, a new study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine reports.

For the study, 50 adult females were analyzed and chosen randomly. They were given a placebo in a double-blind study determining effects of sexual arousal medications. Neither the women or the doctors knew who was taking a placebo or a real medication.

Researchers noted about 33 percent of women taking the placebo had a noticeable change after only 12 weeks, and most improvement happened throughout the first month.

Symptom changes were determined as women explained to experience a higher number of satisfying sexual encounters during treatment.

Many women in the study explained to have more stimulation and arousal during sex throughout the trial, and their partners did not receive special information.

Researchers explain the women receiving the placebo still discussed their feelings, sexual and otherwise, during the trial and that alone may assist in sexual dysfunction.

Female sexual dysfunction is common and may occur at any time in a woman’s life. Hormonal changes, physical or mental stress, and psychological or social stress may affect a woman’s sexual desire.

Women experiencing stress or anxiety may notice a higher chance of having sexual dysfunction as well.