¹Department of Urology, University of Iowa, IA, USA

Correspondence: Dr B Fallon, Department of Urology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. E-mail: bernard-fallon@uiowa.edu

Received 11 July 2007; Revised 1 August 2007; Accepted 1 August 2007; Published online 13 September 2007.

Abstract

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are the only drugs approved for a specific sexual function disorder. All other drugs used in the treatment of sexual disorders are used 'off-label.' This paper reviews the use of drugs in the treatment of premature ejaculation, Peyronie's disease and female hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). While the treatment of premature ejaculation is quite well documented and supported by evidence of good quality in the medical literature, there is little evidence for the use of the variety of medications in use for the treatment of Peyronie's disease. In particular, the use of verapamil is not supported by any double-blind studies whatsoever. The use of testosterone patch for treatment of HSDD in postmenopausal women is well documented, but not in premenopausal women.