What medical treatments are available for women?

Author: SCIRE Community Team | Reviewers: Lesley Houle , Rachel Nicoletti | Published: 12 June 2018 | Updated: ~

A vibrator may be used to enhance sexual stimulation.¹⁹

The clitoris is very sensitive to touch and can be stimulated manually or with a vibrator to assist with sexual arousal. There is moderate evidence that clitoral stimulation using a mechanical vibrator and stimulation with the hands both increased the sexual response of women with SCI and were both effective. There is some evidence that stimulation of other areas such as the cervix or nipples may also result in orgasm, but more research is needed.

Vacuum devices are a relatively new technology for women with SCI, in which a small cup can be placed over the clitoris and a small amount of suction is applied to increase blood to flow and arousal. There is moderate evidence that a vacuum suction device for the clitoris was effective for improving sensory stimulation and increasing lubrication in women with SCI. However, further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Sildenafil (Viagra) has been studied as a way to improve sexual responses in women with SCI with some remaining genital sensation. However, there is moderate evidence from one study that this medication was not effective for improving sexual arousal in women with SCI.

Although it has been proposed that pelvic floor exercises may help with sexual function in women with some control in these muscles, it has not yet been studied in people with SCI.