A drug some men turn to relieve their erectile dysfunction can also be used to relieve menstrual cramps, according to a new study reported by Medical Daily.
New research from Pennsylvania State University found that sildenafil citrate, better known as Viagara, might help to relieve women's monthly cramps - a pain in the lower abdomen caused by hormone-like substances - when administered vaginally, according to Medical Daily.
"If future studies confirm these findings, sildenafil may become a treatment option for patients with [menstrual cramps]," Richard Legro, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and public health sciences, said in a statement. "Since [menstrual cramps] is a condition that most women suffer from and seek treatment for at some points in their lives, the quest for new medication is justified."
The research team, led by Legro, recruited women between the ages of 18 and 35 who suffered from moderate to severe menstrual cramps. Of the study group, 25 women were randomly selected to receive either sildenafil or a placebo drug vaginally.
Once the medication had been inserted vaginally, the women were asked to rate their pain over the next four hours. Those who took sildenafil said they felt relief without and side effects.
"Viagra may help with pelvic pain because it can lead to dilation of the blood vessels," according to a release by Penn State University. "Previous research shows that taking it orally can alleviate pelvic pain, but the incidence of side effects - often headaches - may be too high for routine use."
The researchers said the drug could lead to blood vessel dilation. They noted more research is needed to confirm the medication's benefits, but they feel the research is important enough to pursue.
"Larger studies must be completed to validate the small sample of this study, and additional research is needed to see whether sildenafil changes the menstrual bleeding pattern," according to the press release.
