sexual enhancement cream.

want to try a sexual enhancement cream. What do you know about them?


The products you're referring to go by various names such as Dream Cream, O'My, Zestra, and Excite, to mention just a few. The claim is that, when applied to the clitoral area before sexual activity, they make sex more pleasurable by enhancing arousal, increasing clitoral sensitivity, and making it easier to reach orgasm.

Having never tried one of them myself, I checked in with two sex experts: Laura Berman, PhD, director of The Berman Center in Chicago and cohost of the cable TV show Berman & Berman, and Barbara Bartlik, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York City.

The active ingredient in these products varies, but most contain an amino acid called L-arginine, which is a precursor to nitric oxide, a potent dilator of blood vessels. The idea is that by increasing bloodflow to the genitals, you increase sensation and enhance lubrication, making it easier to have an orgasm. (This is similar to the way Viagra works in men.) Both experts acknowledge that there are no rigorous clinical studies to back up the claims these products make, just lots of anecdotal information.

It's not really clear what these products are doing and which ingredients are responsible. The "it's working!" phenomenon could be chalked up to the placebo effect. Nevertheless, Bartlik (who prefers creams or gels that contain L-arginine) has patients with desire, arousal, and lubrication problems who report success with them. A word of caution: L-arginine can cause a flare-up of genital herpes, so don't use it if you have this sexually transmitted disease.

Some of these products contain peppermint or menthol, which creates a tingling sensation and warmth but can also be irritating to delicate tissues.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you're planning to use one of these products, which are readily available over-the-counter. (In case the one you try turns out to be irritating, you wouldn't want to mistakenly be treated for a vaginal infection later.)

Too embarrassed? Let your doc know it's uncomfortable for you, but bring it up anyway. Another suggestion is to request to speak with a nurse practitioner or female physician in the office.