Effect on sexual life--a comparison between tibolone and continuous combined conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of tibolone 2.5 mg with those of continuous combined conjugated equine estrogens 0.625 mg/day and medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg/day (CEE/MPA) on sexual life in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Eighty women were randomized to treatment with either tibolone or continuous combined CEE/MPA. Subjects were asked about sexual desire, sexual excitement, sexual arousal, orgasm capacity, vaginal lubrication during sexual activity and dyspareunia before and after the treatment.

RESULTS

After 6 months of treatment, a total of 72 women completed the study. When tibolone was compared with continuous combined CEE/MPA, significantly higher scores were found for the items assessing sexual desire, sexual excitement, intercourse frequency and vaginal dryness (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that both tibolone and continuous combined CEE/MPA treatment were associated with significant improvements in sexual function in postmenopausal women. However, tibolone treatment improved sexual function to a greater extent than continuous combined CEE/MPA.