Dr Leblanc leads a discussion in female sexual health. Experts share in the causes of diminished libido in women.
Sexual Function & Testosterone
In researching female sexual dysfunction the root cause seems to be either hormonal,
blood flow, or a combination. Contrary to popular belief, women also produce testosterone
– the primary sex-drive hormone, but at a much lower rate than in men. Women have
testosterone levels usually 20-35% of that in men. A woman’s testosterone level
is directly responsible for 2 key responses:
Desire
Our desire or degree of interest in having a physical or sexual experience. If our
levels run low, we will have little to no interest in sex. But with increased levels
women will have strong driving desire for a powerful physical sexual experience
Quality
The quality or intensity of a woman’s orgasm is directly related to her testosterone
levels.
L-Arginine, Nitric Oxide, and Blood Flow
When properly taken, L-arginine can enhance testosterone availability, increase
blood flow to the genital area, increase sperm count and motility, increase sexual
desire, and heighten sensitivity in both men and women. Achieving the benefits of
HRT without the increased risk of side effects.
Leading Nitric Oxide (NO) researcher, Dr. Arthur Burnett, a John's Hopkins urologist,
stated that NO is the chemical messenger that produces erections and without NO
there could be no natural erections. Nitric Oxide also increases orgasm in women
because NO allows clitoral and vaginal tissues to enlarge, congest and become responsive
for physical sex. The study also found that fertility in women and men was increased.
Learn more about Dr.
Arthur and his study
Study Excerpt
The incidence of female sexual dysfunction is reported in the literature to be as
high as 60%. In one large study of 1767 patients FSD(female sexual dysfunction)
was reported to be 43% while the reported incidence in males was reported to be
31%. A unified classification of FSD has been established by the WHO and further
categorized by the American Psychiatric association. Despite the magnitude of this
problem there are as of yet no FDA approved pharmacologic agents for the treatment
of FSD. There are many etiologies for FSD. Medical conditions such as diabetes and
multiple sclerosis can decrease genital sensation. Medical treatment with SSRI’s
has been associated with decreased orgasmic response and varying degrees of genital
anesthesia. Because the response to various treatment modalities is subjective and
because interventional modalities in FSD have a significant placebo response, it
was decided to prospectively study 20 patients using themselves as their own controls.
There are many over the counter preparations that contain L-Arginine and they claim
to aid in sexual function. L-Arginine is a zwitter ion and having the properties
of a zwitter ion it cannot cross human squamous epithelium to any significant degree.
Some of these preparations contain menthol which is an irritant to human skin. By
irritating the skin these products will allow some of the L-Aginine to cross but
again not to any significant degree. In order to nullify the charge effect L-Arginine
ethyl esther was substituted for standard L-Arginine as there is evidence this compound
crosses squamous epithelium to a significant degree. There is good evidence that
L-Arginine is a potent vasodilator once it crosses the squamous epithelium. By dilating
the vessels and thus increasing blood flow to the clitoris sexual response is enhanced.
The purpose of this study was to show that the proprietary cream containing L-Arginine
ethyl esther when topically applied to the clitoral hood would improve sexual response
when compared to placebo.
