Abstract: PD44-10
Sources of Funding: None

Introduction

With flibanserin's approval October 2015 for women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), clinicians at our center have prescribed this medication to appropriate women with HSDD. We examine themes of women's reflections who experienced positive changes on treatment.

Methods

Clinicians at our site regularly ask patients to update them on their health and progress managing their sexual dysfunction. Patients currently prescribed flibanserin were asked from time to time to disclose their experiences on the medication. Twenty-two e-mail responses met the criteria that they could be collated and examined for themes regarding flibanserin use, including time to response, initial HSDD improvement, longer-term changes, and other general observations.

Results

Among responders, average age was 53.5 years (range 24-75). First recognition of response to medication came on average at 3.2 weeks (range 1-6). Of the 22 responders, improvements were identified in libido (11), orgasm timing/intensity (7), sexual thoughts (6), initiation of sexual activity (4), receptivity (4), ability to be multi-orgasmic (4), responsiveness (2), and sexual dreams (2). A total of 15 of the 22 women sent additional comments at 8.5 weeks (range 5-11) and 13 at 5.2 months (range 2.5-11) with continued or additional improvements in the following areas: libido (11), orgasm timing/intensity (7), arousal (5), lubrication (4), initiation (4), receptivity (4), sexual thoughts (3), sexual dreams (3) and ability to be multi-orgasmic (2). They also talked about enjoyment (2), being more open sexually (2) and positive anticipation of sexual activity (2). Non-sexual themes noted by 14 women responding longer term were feeling happy (8), experiencing less stress, anxiety or feeling more easy going (5), weight loss (4), feeling generally like a sexual being (4), feeling more connected to their spouse (3) and feeling more energetic or alive (2). Many noted improved sleep, as somnolence is an expected adverse event therefore this is a medication taken at night. No serious adverse events were noted.

Conclusions

For some women flibanserin has been life-changing in the quality of their sexual response (including desire, arousal and orgasm), their self-image, and their relationship. These positive changes observed are both sexual and non-sexual, resulting in more sexual satisfaction and overall happiness. _x000D_ _x000D_

Funding

None