More Than 80 Experts In Male Sexual Health Pen Letter To FDA Urging Approval Of Treatment Options For Female Sexual Dysfunction

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 80 clinical experts specializing in male sexual dysfunction today sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) applauding its decision to hold a two-day workshop next week focused on female sexual dysfunction (FSD), a condition the FDA has designated a priority unmet medical need. The group of distinguished signers highlighted the fact that FSD not only affects a wide range of women, but also has major implications for their partners.

Led by Dr. John Mulhall, Director of Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the incoming Editor of the Journal of Sexual Medicine, the letter from the 83 experts reads, "As clinicians, we see on a daily basis the impact that sexual dysfunction has on the affected woman as well as her partner. We have seen, over the years, the benefits to women of treating their sexually dysfunctional male partners and we expect that treating the similarly affected woman will enhance not just her life but that of the couple."

Read the full letter here.

To date, the FDA has approved 26 different drugs that are marketed for the treatment of male sexual dysfunction and zero for the treatment of women's most common sexual complaint, Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), a condition with which 1-in-10 American women struggle. The October 27-28 workshop will represent a historic moment in the fight for gender equity in sexual health where patients, patient advocates, health care providers and sexual health experts will discuss the issue and the need for medical treatment options for women.

In their letter, the clinicians explain the benefit that has accrued to broader understanding of men's health through the approval of countless therapies for male sexual dysfunction. They go on to say that "it is time to give serious consideration to a novel pharmacotherapy for women," understanding that it will open the door to additional research that accrues benefit to women's health.

"This letter is yet another sign of the growing momentum behind the push for an FDA-approved treatment option for women's most common sexual health complaint," said Susan Scanlan, Chair of Even the Score. "The message from these well-respected clinicians and experts in their fields underscores the fact that the medical community, along with thousands of others, stands ready to support the FDA in making the right decision for women."

Even the Score: A Campaign for Women's Sexual Health Equity was launched earlier this year by a diverse group of women's health and research organizations following the FDA's approval of the 26^th drug marketed to treat male sexual dysfunction, without a single treatment option available for women's most common sexual complaint.

Through Even the Score, the groups are leading the fight for safe, FDA-approved treatment options for the most common form of women's sexual dysfunction, and for the rights of women to be given the same access to treatments that allow them to make decisions on their sexual health with their doctors. In America, 1-in-10 women report experiencing sexual dysfunction with distress; and more women (43 percent) report experiencing sexual dysfunction than men (31 percent).

Supporters of the Even the Score campaign include: American College of Nurse-Midwives; American Sexual Health Association; Association of Reproductive Health Professionals; Black Women's Health Imperative; CHANGE: Center for Health and Gender Equity; EmpowHER; HealthyWomen; HisAndHerHealth.com; International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health; Jewish Women International; National Council of Women's Organizations; National Women's Health Resource Center; Middlesex MD; National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health; National Hispanic Medical Association; Palatin Technologies; Sexual Medicine Society of North America; Society for Women's Health Research; Sprout Pharmaceuticals; Red Hot Mamas; The Blue Thong Society; The Institute for Sexual Medicine; The Women's Research & Education Institute; and Trimel Pharmaceuticals.

Contact: Jaime Horn, 202/827-7859, [email protected]

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SOURCE Even the Score: A Campaign for Women's Sexual Health Equity