The FDA has approved a new class of drug aimed at improving our sex lives, specifically for women experiencing pain during sexual intercourse. The agency announced its approval for Osphena, to treat pain known as dyspareunia, which is a symptom of vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause. Dyspareunia is associated with declining levels of estrogen hormones during menopause.
Osphena, manufactured by Shionogi Pharmaceuticals of Japan, is a pill that acts like estrogen on vaginal tissues to make them thicker and less fragile, resulting in a reduction in pain associated with intercourse. The drug’s label includes a boxed warning, the most severe available, alerting patients to an increased risk of strokes and deep vein thrombosis.
Not since the rise of erectile dysfunction category has FDA been so focused on improving our sex lives.
