SWHR Supports FDA Decision to Approve Female Sexual Dysfunction Treatment



The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR®) applauds the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the approval of Flibanserin, the first ever medical treatment option for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). Known as the most common type of female sexual dysfunction, HSDD affects one in ten American women each year.

Sexual health is an important component to a healthy life. For many years, it was a taboo topic and even today, many women are still hesitant to discuss their sexual health with their healthcare providers.  Last year, SWHR, along with a number of patients and women’s groups, addressed the need for FDA-approved treatments for female sexual dysfunction. At that meeting, the FDA heard directly from patients on how HSDD, along with other types of female sexual dysfunction negatively impacts their health and well-being. Many patients spoke candidly about their use of products off-label to try to treat their condition and with their frustration about the lack of options available to them.

“The Society for Women’s Health Research is pleased that the FDA has approved the first ever treatment for HSDD, a type of female sexual dysfunction. This condition can severely impact a woman’s quality of life,” said Phyllis Greenberger, MSW, SWHR President and CEO. “We believe this is a good first step in addressing this need and hopefully this approval will generate more research into safe treatment options for HSDD in women.”

SWHR applauds the FDA on its leadership in treating HSDD with the same priority as other sexually related disorders. This is an important step toward health equity and will have a positive impact on the lives of millions of women and men.

To learn more about SWHR, the thought leader in transforming women’s health research, visit www.swhr.org.

The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR®) applauds the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the approval of Flibanserin, the first ever medical treatment option for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). Known as the most common type of female sexual dysfunction, HSDD affects one in ten American women each year.

Sexual health is an important component to a healthy life. For many years, it was a taboo topic and even today, many women are still hesitant to discuss their sexual health with their healthcare providers.  Last year, SWHR, along with a number of patients and women’s groups, addressed the need for FDA-approved treatments for female sexual dysfunction. At that meeting, the FDA heard directly from patients on how HSDD, along with other types of female sexual dysfunction negatively impacts their health and well-being. Many patients spoke candidly about their use of products off-label to try to treat their condition and with their frustration about the lack of options available to them.

“The Society for Women’s Health Research is pleased that the FDA has approved the first ever treatment for HSDD, a type of female sexual dysfunction. This condition can severely impact a woman’s quality of life,” said Phyllis Greenberger, MSW, SWHR President and CEO. “We believe this is a good first step in addressing this need and hopefully this approval will generate more research into safe treatment options for HSDD in women.”

SWHR applauds the FDA on its leadership in treating HSDD with the same priority as other sexually related disorders. This is an important step toward health equity and will have a positive impact on the lives of millions of women and men.

To learn more about SWHR, the thought leader in transforming women’s health research, visit www.swhr.org.