Ephedrine-activated physiological sexual arousal in women

Abstract

Background: The present investigation was designed to provide the first empirical examination of the effects of ephedrine sulfate, an alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonist, on subjective and physiological sexual arousal in women. The purpose was to help elucidate the effects of increased peripheral adrenergic activity on sexual response in women.

Methods: Twenty sexually functional women participated in 2 experimental conditions in which subjective (self-report) and physiological (vaginal photoplethysmography) sexual responses to erotic stimuli were measured following administration of either ephedrine sulfate (50 mg) or placebo in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over protocol.

Results: Ephedrine significantly (P<.01) increased vaginal pulse amplitude responses to the erotic films and had no significant (P>. 10) effect on subjective ratings of sexual arousal.

Conclusions: Ephedrine can significantly facilitate the initial stages of physiological sexual arousal in women. These findings have implications for deriving new pharmacological approaches to the management of sexual dysfunction in women.