Effect on sexual life--a comparison between tibolone and continuous combined conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate.

Author(s): Uygur D, Yesildaglar N, Erkaya S

Affiliation(s): Zubeyde Hanim Maternity Hospital, Telsizler, Ankara, Turkey. uygurdc@superonline.com

Publication date & source: 2005-04, Gynecol Endocrinol., 20(4):209-12.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of tibolone 2.5 mg with those of continuous combined conjugated equine estrogens 0.625 mg/day and medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg/day (CEE/MPA) on sexual life in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Eighty women were randomized to treatment with either tibolone or continuous combined CEE/MPA. Subjects were asked about sexual desire, sexual excitement, sexual arousal, orgasm capacity, vaginal lubrication during sexual activity and dyspareunia before and after the treatment. RESULTS: After 6 months of treatment, a total of 72 women completed the study. When tibolone was compared with continuous combined CEE/MPA, significantly higher scores were found for the items assessing sexual desire, sexual excitement, intercourse frequency and vaginal dryness (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that both tibolone and continuous combined CEE/MPA treatment were associated with significant improvements in sexual function in postmenopausal women. However, tibolone treatment improved sexual function to a greater extent than continuous combined CEE/MPA.