(051) SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF FEMALE SEXUAL AROUSAL DISORDER USING A PATTERN OF FOCUSED MECHANICAL VIBRATION VIA A PORTABLE VIBRATING DEVICE
Authors: Rodriguez JE , Dadian R , Suarez V , Martinez MDM 
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Vaginal dryness is one of the most common gynecological concerns related to sexual activity. Vaginal dryness can occur for many reasons, not always physiological or pathological. Lubrication is an expression of sexual arousal, so dryness can also occur due to lack of arousal, either because more stimulation is needed or because the conditions are not suitable. In many cases, this dryness can cause discomfort and/or pain during sexual intercourse. Ultimately, this can lead to decreased interest in sexual relations over the medium and long term. Portable vibrators are commonly used by women in the United States and Europe and most women and men express positive attitudes toward women’s use of vibrators. New evidence suggests that certain patterns of focused mechanical vibration (FMV) can induce vasodilation and increase lubrication in the genital area.

Objective

To determine the safety and therapeutic utility of a specifically designed portable vibrating device to improve lubrication and increase blood flow in the vaginal area among women diagnosed with Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD).

Methods

A total of 14 patients aged between 28 and 50 years (mean = 39.85, standard deviation (SD) = 7.47) met eligibility criteria and used a portable vibration device over 8 weeks. Inclusion criteria was premenopausal women between 18 and 50 years of age, diagnosed with FSAD, and in a stable monogamous relationship with a male partner. Exclusion criteria was being pregnant or nursing and having a diagnosis of or being treated for depression, anxiety, psychosis disorder, or substance abuse within the last 6 months. To facilitate the process, there were explanatory sessions on genital anatomy and its functioning during sexual intercourse, along with instructions to achieve arousal response. In the same session, they were given instructions on how to use the device, called Legato, during intercourse. The device was controlled through an app, and generated FMV on the genital area in intervals of 10 seconds of vibration followed by 5 seconds of pause, with a frequency of 50 Hz and an amplitude of 2 mm. The main outcome measure was the Lubrication and Arousal domain of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) was used as a secondary measure.

Results

There was a significant improvement score in the domain Lubrication (mean pre = 0.77 (SD) = 1.12, mean post = 3.15 (SD) = 2.03 Wilcoxon test pre vs. post p-value = .001) and Arousal (mean pre = 1.56 (SD) = 1.25, mean post = 2.85 (SD) = 1.78, Wilcoxon test pre vs. post p-value = .005) on the FSFI. Of the 14 patients, 3 patients reported their status after treatment to be “very much improved” after using the device, 5 “much improved,” 4 “minimally improved,” and 2 experienced “no change,” according to the PGIC scores.

Conclusions

The application of FMV in the genital area using this vibrating device during sexual intercourse may improve symptoms in women suffering from arousal and lubrication issues. To confirm this new therapeutic option, randomized controlled studies with long-term follow-up using the same wave patterns, are needed.

Disclosure

Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Mysteryvibe.

Clarification: Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study.