Influence of treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy with intravaginal prasterone on the male partner

ABSTRACT<i>Objective</i> The aim was to analyze the opinion of the male partner of women treated for vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) with intravaginal 0.50% DHEA (prasterone), thus providing information on both members of the couple.<i>Methods</i> On a voluntary basis, in a prospective, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled phase-III clinical trial, the male partner filled a questionnaire at baseline and at 12 weeks stating his observations related to his penis and intercourse before and after VVA treatment.<i>Results</i> Sixty-six men having a partner treated with intravaginal DHEA and 34 others having a partner treated with placebo answered the questionnaires. Concerning the feeling of vaginal dryness of their female partner, the severity score following DHEA treatment improved by 81% (0.76 units) over placebo (<i>p</i> = 0.0347). Thirty-six percent of men having a partner treated with DHEA did not feel the vaginal dryness of the partner at the end of treatment compared to 7.8% in the placebo group. When analyzing the situation at 12 weeks compared to baseline, an improved score of 1.09 units was the difference found for the DHEA group compared to 0.76 for the placebo group (<i>p</i> = 0.05 vs. placebo). In the DHEA group, 38% of men scored very improved compared to 18% in the placebo group. No adverse event has been reported.<i>Conclusion</i> The male partner had a very positive evaluation of the treatment received by his female partner.