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Scentuelle Research

User survey of Scentuelle for the treatment of low libido and reduced sexual desire in women

Results analyzed and report prepared by: Dr. George Dodd, Olfactory Scientist

Overview

Low libido and lack of sexual desire are reported to affect up to 35% of women, this aspect of female sexual dysfunction is the one that is recognized as causing most personal distress.

The clinical condition of female hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is documented in the fourth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association 2000). The seminal feature is the distress caused to the patient by the reduction of, or the total loss, of sexual desire.

This is a multi-aetiology condition which is poorly understood and may be influenced by hormonal changes, relationship difficulties, and the side effects of prescription medication, mainly anti-depressants, or a mixture of all of these.

Currently there are no recognized pharmacological solutions, even though Pfizer were reported to have spent up to $600 million on research into a "pink" Viagra. Proctor & Gamble are developing a testosterone patch which would seem to improve libido, though the FDA has recently asked for more safety data.

The only treatment available to women who present with low libido and diminished sexual desire is counseling and in many areas of the world the delay in receiving this treatment is unacceptably long.

Present Survey

The present survey was undertaken to gain user experience of a novel approach to a non-medical treatment for low libido and lack of sexual desire.

Scentuelle is a small, transparent, non-transdermal, aroma impregnated patch that is worn on the wrist and is effective for 24 hours.

The Scentuelle patch contains an aroma that mimics the effects of dopamine, the brain's natural feel good chemical. It has been reported by Professor Helen Fisher, of Rutgers University in the US, that during the early stages of a relationship, which involved increased physical intimacy, the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine are increased in the brain.

The Scentuelle aroma replicates the shape, size and properties of a dopamine molecule. By smelling the libido patch on a regular basis during the day, the belief is that levels of dopamine are increased. The aroma reaches the smell receptors in the limbic area of the brain via the olfactory system, rather than via the bloodstream, so there is no possibility of any side effects.

Advertisements inviting women who had experienced reduced or absent sexual desire, defined as no sexual activity in the past 6 months, were invited to apply for samples of the product and complete a simple questionnaire.

Results

Of the 142 women who requested the sample pack of Scentuelle, 75 returned evaluable questionnaires, giving a response rate of 53%.

The questionnaires were kept deliberately simple and showed a statistically significant increase in those who reported that their sex drive was increased over those who said the product was not effective.

Interestingly, nearly half of the trial users reported that they felt more sensual and had more sexual fantasies. Over a quarter said they felt both more relaxed and more confident.

Nearly three quarters of the respondents reported that the patch was easy to use.

There were no reported side effects.

Question 1

How effective was the Scentuelle patch in increasing your sex drive?

Question 2

Did using the Scentuelle patch have any other affect on your behaviour?

Question 3

Was Scentuelle easy to use?

Results

of the 160 questionnaires sent out, 80 were returned that were considered evaluable. The ages of the respondents ranged from 26 to 65 (mean 50.8, ST 9.3) years. The majority of respondents were either married (64.9%) or co-habiting (16.9%). Less than half (43.3%) of the 76 respondents who provided the information had sought professional help for their lack of libido. The family doctor was the most frequent agency from who respondents sought help. Almost half the respondents were taking medication, many of which treatments had the propensity to impair sexual function.

Respondents answered questions on various aspects of their sexual functioning before starting to use the patch. The majority of respondents reported experiencing sexual desire or interest less than half the time (40.0%) or almost never or never (23.7%). The majority of respondents had experienced sexual activity between 1 and 5 times in the previous four weeks and 16.2% had experienced sexual activity 6 or more times during this period whereas only 12.5% had not experienced sexual activity.

Of the respondents who reported on their satisfaction with their sexual relationships and who did not use the answer option "About equally satisfied and dissatisfied", 46.8% reported being dissatisfied and 31.7% reported being satisfied. Similarly, 60.1% reported being dissatisfied with their overall sexual life compared to 21.2%) who reported being satisfied.

The majority of respondents reported increased sexual desire (65%) and sexual activity (60%) (Figure 1)

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