After years of ignoring the matter, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a device designed to improve female sexual function. Although devices and drugs to combat male impotence and erectile dysfunction have been on the market for years, this is the first time that the FDA has approved an analogous treatment for women.
The device, known as the EROS clitoral therapy device (EROS-CTD), is designed to treat female sexual arousal disorder and is approved for women who experience reduced sensation, lubrication, and ability to achieve orgasm.
Available by prescription only, the device consists of a small vacuum pump that is placed over the clitoris to apply gentle suction to the region and increase blood flow, aiding in sexual arousal.
The device was tested on 25 women, of whom 15 complained of sexual arousal disorder and 10 were functioning normally. The study tested for sensation, ability to achieve orgasm, sexual satisfaction, and lubrication.
Of the 15 women who complained of female sexual arousal disorder, all 15 experienced increased sensation, 7 more orgasms, 12 more satisfaction, and 11 more lubrication. Of the 10 normally functioning controls, 4 experienced more sensation, 4 improved orgasm, 2 better satisfaction and 3 more lubrication with the device. No adverse effects were reported from the device.
Treatment with the battery operated vacuum pump is expected to be particularly effective in postmenopausal women and women who have had hysterectomies or experienced surgically induced menopause. It is expected to cost about $359 (£224).
About 43% of all women experience some form of sexual dysfunction, according to the American Urological Association.