According to a study conducted by researchers at Pennsylvania State University, sildenafil citrate, which is sold under the brand name Viagra, might help to relieve primary dysmenorrhea (PD) when administered vaginally.
PD is currently treated with non-steroidal inflammatory medications, which can potentially lead to ulcers and chronic kidney damage, which could simply escalate the problem. Previous research has found that sildenafil can help women suffering from PD, but by taking the drug orally, the incidence of side effects may be too high for routine use.
For the study, the researchers recruited 29 women 18 to 35 years old who suffered from moderate to severe PD. Twenty five of the women were randomized to receive either sildenafil or a placebo drug vaginally. For the next four hours, researchers asked the women to rate their pain. It was found that the women who had been administered sildenafil felt relief without any side effects.
Researchers believe the pain alleviation caused by sildenafil may be due to the increase of blood flow. However, as uterine blood flow increased with both the drug and the placebo, researchers are still uncertain at this time if this is the reason for less pain.
“If future studies confirm these findings, sildenafil may become a treatment option for patients with PD, said Richard Legro, lead study author, via a press release. “Since PD is a condition that most women suffer from and seek treatment for at some point in their lives, the quest for new medication is justified.”
Evan Hopkins is a 24 year old writer operating out of Atlanta, GA. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys reading books, drinking coffee, and folk music.