Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of wormwood vaginal gel in improving sexual function and sexual satisfaction in women of reproductive age: A randomized, triple-blinds, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

IntroductionAll aspects of sexual function are related to sexual satisfaction, and not paying attention to sexual problems leads to sexual dissatisfaction. According to studies, sexual satisfaction is a key factor in a couple's quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of wormwood vaginal gel in improving sexual function and sexual satisfaction in women of reproductive age. MethodsThis study was a randomized, triple-blinds, parallel-groups clinical trial performed on 76 women of reproductive age (18–45 years) referred to the gynecological clinic of Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad who had sexual dysfunction and low sexual satisfaction. 76 women were assigned to the wormwood gel (n = 38) and placebo (n = 38) groups using random permuted blocks of sizes 4 or 6 and an allocation ratio of 1:1. Wormwood gel or placebo was used for 4 weeks and 3 times a week for 4 weeks from22 May to 23 October 2021. The main data collection tools were the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Larson Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (LSSQ) to access changes in sexual function and sexual satisfaction at baseline and after 4 weeks. ResultsThe Mean and Standard Deviation of the age of the studied women was 36.8 ± 5.9 years in the intervention group and 37.1 ± 7.3 years in the placebo group. Before the intervention, the Mean and Standard Deviation of the total score of sexual function and sexual satisfaction in the studied women were 17.70 ± 3.66 and 72.20 ± 6.56 in the intervention group and in the placebo group were 18.23 ± 3.84 and 73.26 ± 5.86, respectively. At the end of the intervention, the Mean and Standard Deviation of the total score of female sexual function and sexual satisfaction in the intervention group were 32.11 ± 2.03 and 96.91 ± 7.93 and in the placebo group were 21.07 ± 3.22 and 75.91 ± 8.87, respectively. sexual function and satisfaction improved significantly in the wormwood gel compared to the control group(p < 0.0001). ConclusionsBased on the findings of this trial, it seems that the wormwood vaginal gel can be used as a topical supplement to improve sexual function and sexual satisfaction in women of reproductive age who have sexual dysfunction and low sexual satisfaction.