A literature review and case reports series on the use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction

Summary The term ‘female sexual dysfunction’ (FSD) encompasses a number of different disorders, and while their aetiologies are not fully understood, the sub-classifications of this broad umbrella term are increasingly becoming more established and accepted. However, there is less consensus regarding the optimal treatment of these conditions. While it is known that phosphodiesterase (PDE5) is involved in the female sexual response, the clinical and research evidence supporting the unlicensed use of PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5i) in women is inconclusive and at times contradictory. In this article we explore this further by means of a comprehensive literature review on the use of PDE5i in the treatment of FSD and we also present our clinical experience of using these drugs in this context.