Treating symptoms of female sexual arousal disorder with the Eros-Clitoral Therapy Device

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the Eros-Clitoral Therapy Device (Eros-CTD) on the sexual function of women with and without symptoms of female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD).

Periodic survey of sexual function in women using the Eros-CTD over a six-week period.

A total of 19 women participated in the study--10 with symptoms of FSAD and nine without symptoms of FSAD--ranging in age from 28 to 65 years, with a mean age of 45.2 years.

Ten patients with symptoms of FSAD and 10 without symptoms were instructed in the use of the small, portable vacuum device, Eros-CTD. One woman without symptoms of FSAD withdrew early in the study for personal reasons. The patients were instructed in the correct use of the device and were asked to complete one Female Intervention Efficacy Index (FIEI) each week. The patients also kept diaries of their use of the device, noting the frequency, length, and strength of vacuum.

There was a significant improvement in all symptoms of FSAD (P < .05), including increased sensation, improved vaginal lubrication, enhanced ability to orgasm, and greater overall satisfaction. Patients without FSAD also reported similar changes in sensation, lubrication, ability to orgasm, and overall satisfaction.

This study was done on a small sample of self-selected patients, was of limited duration, and had no long-term follow-up. All of these factors should be considered in interpreting the data.

The Eros-CTD was safe and effective in improving symptoms of FSAD in this group of women. Further studies on the efficacy of the Eros-CTD are indicated.